An emerging racket sport is giving an older generation of players a new lease of life.

Pickleball is a cross between table tennis, badminton and tennis and involves hitting a large ball over a net with a paddle.

It may not sound revolutionary but the sport can be played at a slower pace than many racket sports, making it ideal for the over 50s.

Players tried out the sport at Wantage Leisure Centre as part of a scheme to roll it out across the Vale of White Horse.

It is being set up by the Vale of White Horse District Council in partnership with Age UK and leisure centre contractors Better.

Ashley Chapman, 28, a community officer for the council, said: “It’s really great for older age groups as it is a slower pace but it can be enjoyed by younger people as well.

“We’ve been getting good numbers in Abingdon and it seems to be going down really well.

“It’s good for agility and balance and anything which helps people to keep active is a good thing.”

Initially there are two free sessions witch coaching before players have to pay to play.

For full details, visit the website better.org.uk