Sessions for over-50 players at Keighley Table Tennis Centre now have spaces for beginners and improvers.

The growth of the over-50s provision has been one of the centre’s major success stories since it opened in 2009.

At first, sessions ran on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 10am-noon. The sessions became over-subscribed and because of the rapidly rising standard of play, with many over-50s forming teams to play in the Keighley and District League, became possibly rather intimidating for newcomers or those returning to the sport after long lay-offs.

To redress the balance, the centre introduced two new sessions on Wednesday and Friday mornings, also from 10am-noon. It is these sessions that currently have spaces.

Players of all ages are welcome and the atmosphere is friendly despite being competitive. Brenda Butterfield, 77, puts it well, saying: “We come for the fun of it – but we like to win!”

The session is home to beginners, improvers and also a few League players such as Martin Cave and Anne Langley, who play for local club Haworth Hawks, and David Morley who plays for local team The Grumpies. These old table tennis hands are standing by to make newcomers feel welcome and even to give them a few hints and tips.

A further session runs on Mondays from 12.30-14.30pm. All the sessions cost £4 to non-club members and £3 to members, including a hot drink and biscuits.

Keighley Table Tennis and Recreation Centre is on the second floor of Keighley Business Centre, South Street, BD21 1SY.

For more information, contact the centre on 01535 872029 or email [email protected]