Villagers are getting some help to become more active thanks to the installation of two new outdoor table tennis tables.

The Parish Council in Girton, just outside Cambridge, bought the tables through Table Tennis England in late 2023. They have now been installed in a specially prepared area of the village recreation ground and Table Tennis England Area Manager (East), Chris Bryden, officially cut the ribbon to declare them operational.

Local children were among the first to try out the tables, and there was also an exhibition match between Ewa Foskett and Simon Pryke from nearby St Neots TTC.

Councillor Nas Hayat from Girton Parish Council said the council wanted to create more opportunities for local residents to play sport.

He added: “We (at Girton Parish Council) are delighted to be able to officially open the outdoor table tennis tables for public use at Girton Recreation Ground. As a parish council, we purchased the tables directly from Table Tennis England towards the end of 2023.

“The development of the outdoor table tennis area is part of a larger investment into improving local sporting facilities in Girton and moving forwards, we hope to develop indoor table tennis provision as well, utilising the pavilion at the recreation ground.”

Chris Bryden said: “It was fantastic to be invited to Girton to officially open the outdoor tables. I would like to say a special thanks to Ewa and Simon from St Neots Table Tennis Club for giving up their time and coming down to support the official launch.

“As part of our national strategy, Table Tennis United, we want to able to ‘meet people where they are at’ and by providing table tennis tables for people to use free of charge in the heart of a community, this is an excellent example of this.

“I look forward to working with Girton Parish Council moving forwards to develop more exciting opportunities.”