A record number of female players have taken part in a long-running table tennis summer school.

The course, run by former England international Alan Cooke and Nicola Perry (nee Deaton), is now in its twelfth year and has seen its female participants rise substantially, particularly in recent years with the tutelage of the England’s top two women players, Joanna Parker and Kelly Sibley.

Nicola Perry, said: “This was an ideal opportunity for the girls to be mentored and inspired by our leading players. Both Joanna and Kelly said they were delighted to see so many girls taking part and keen to improve.

“It’s great to see so many girls getting involved in playing our sport. Let’s hope it’s the sign of things to come.”

Judy Rogers, National Programme Manager for Diversity and Equality at the ETTA, said: “It’s great to see the enthusiasm of the girls taking part and I hope that they will be able to go back to their clubs and friends and encourage more girls to become involved with table tennis.”

Written by Russell Moore (05/08/13)