Walking hockey festival a first for city

Members of Wolverhampton and Tettenhall Hockey Club's walking group meet every Wednesday at WV Active Aldersley

A city is to host its first ever walking hockey festival this weekend following the growing popularity of the sport.

Organisers Wolverhampton and Tettenhall Hockey Club (WATs) and the council, expect 10 teams across the West Midlands to take part.

The lower impact, slow-paced game, is for players looking for a less physically demanding version of hockey, but still keen to demonstrate or pick up skills.

"It's designed to help you keep an active lifestyle regardless of your age, health and ability," said Tim Lorimer, WATs secretary.

"As well as getting people back into hockey who may have had to stop due to injuries or other reasons."

WATs has been named community club of the year by Wolverhampton Sports Advisory Council, as a result of the introduction of this version of the sport.

It was also recently highly commended by England Hockey.

The club's walking hockey group meets on Wednesdays at 11:00 BST at WV Active on Aldersley Road, Wolverhampton.

The festival is being held at the same venue from 14:00 BST on Saturday.

Mr Lorimer said three teams from WATs would be entered, one of which includes an entire family.

"This is the first festival of its kind and has resulted from walking hockey becoming more popular," he said.

"We hope that people can come along and find out more this weekend."