HYNDBURN are hoping to produce the next generation of female table tennis stars after the launch of "Girlpower".
Hyndburn Table Tennis Development Treasurer Dave Cochrane is determined to get more girls involved with the sport and has organised regular sessions after holding an exhibition at Moorhead High School.
"The exhibition was a great success and went down a treat in front of the many teachers, including the head, and 300 children," said the organiser, with former European champion John Hilton doing the coaching alongside Lyndsey Reynolds, who is ranked number nine in England and is top of the averages at the Women's British League at the moment.
And, thanks to its success, they are now holding regular coaching sessions to make sure girls can have a good go at the sport.
Dave Cochrane came up with the idea as the sport is short of female competitors.
"Females are considered a priority group by Sport England so I thought I'd do something about it which is where I came up with the 'Girlpower' project.
"I applied for a grant from the Childrens Local Network Fund and was given what I applied for.
"This was £4210 which was for a few new tables for the school and coaching for 50 weeks and funding for two females to go on a coach/education course and junior umpire awards for the players.
"This project is one of the few happening in the table tennis field in this country and I am very positive it will be a success."
The courses are relaxed and in a friendly atmosphere and will be overseen by Stuart Thompson, ETTA Level 2 Coach.
The coaching for girls will take place at Moorhead on Thursdays from 3.30 to 4.30pm.
And open table tennis practice, for boys and girls, will be held at Hyndburn Table Tennis Centre, at Hyndburn Sports Centre, on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. Anyone who wants to give table tennis a go, just turn up at a session.
