PEOPLE from across the UK travelled to Burnley to be the first in the country to put their swing to the test as part of a new pickleball training course.

Held at St Peter’s Leisure Centre, the certified instructors’ course saw a group of 14 people master the racket sport over two days thanks to Burnley Leisure.

To attend the programme, people gathered not only from Burnley but also from Leeds, Liverpool and Scotland.

The training was delivered by qualified pickleball instructor June Walker, 70, who flew in from Florida to help inspire people to play the sport correctly.

June has offered her expertise to the UK Pickleball Association to introduce the course which will help bring about a standard of training and ensure everyone gets the best possible start in the sport.

She said: “Pickleball is a great sport for all ages and abilities and its popularity is fast growing in the UK. One of the difficulties most groups face when starting playing pickleball is having someone with the knowledge to train newcomers to the sport.

“The correct foundation learned via this course will give instructors and residents the best opportunity to progress to whatever level they wish to achieve in playing pickleball.

“The course went very well. All participants passed successfully so I am looking forward to delivering two more courses, in Oxfordshire and in Kent.”

Pickleball was created in the USA in 1965. The sport is played on a badminton-sized court and combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. The reduced speed of the ball and smaller size of the court make pickleball an ideal sport for the elderly.

Pickleball sessions are open to men and women of all abilities who are over the age of 50. Sessions are being delivered as part of Burnley Leisure’s Active Adults initiative to create more sporting opportunities for older residents across the area.

The sessions, which will now be led by newly qualified instructors, are held on Thursdays at St Peter’s Leisure Centre.

Sessions take place from 10am to 12.30pm every week and cost £3.50 per person. The fee includes use of the gym and a swim.