Politician Amber Rudd demonstrated her prowess at ping pong last week when she visited her local table tennis centre.

The Home Secretary was at Hastings Academy Table Tennis Centre to meet players during an open practice evening.

Among them was Rose Rainton and Sheila King, who had recently been praised by Ms Rudd for their successes in the National Veterans tournaments.

After enjoying a short practice on the centre’s table tennis robot, she played a game of doubles with the veteran players, and Hastings and District TT Association President, Michael Hart.

Keith Lindsay, event organiser, said: “The evening was well attended by players of all ages and abilities which hopefully provided Amber with a good overview of the work being done for table tennis locally.

“We would like to thank Amber for taking time out of her extremely busy schedule to visit the Academy and helping us promote our sport and offer an open invitation to her should she wish to visit again either officially or just to enjoy some friendly table tennis practice.”