Jersey pickleball champion, 72, encourages others to take up the sport

Mike Pollard, 72, started playing pickleball three years ago

A 72-year-old pickleball champion is encouraging people of all ages in Jersey to take up the sport.

Mike Pollard won the island's Autumn League Division 1 last season.

Having started only three years ago, he is preparing to compete at a national level in England.

Pickleball is a mixture of tennis, badminton and ping-pong and can be played by singles or in pairs, either indoors or outside.

Mr Pollard's coach said Mike had quickly taken to the sport

The Spring Leagues are already under way, but Mr Pollard wants people to sign up for the Summer League and the beginner "mash-ups" sessions.

He told BBC Radio Jersey there was a "good cross-section of the community" playing pickleball on the island.

"If you play tennis, it takes you about three years to be able to have a good time on court," he said.

"After three games here, with some coaching, you can be playing and having great fun.

"That happens all the time."

'Adapted really well'

Tom Price, his coach and founder of Jersey Pickleball, said Mr Pollard had quickly taken to the sport.

He said: "I introduced him to pickleball and, after hours of playing, he said 'I think this sport's for me'.

"He's adapted to it really well - he can take anyone on."

Mr Pollard said winning the Autumn League was the first sport competition he had ever won.

"To keep fit at my age I think is quite important," he said.

"Keeping fit and keeping healthy is a spin-off of the enjoyment."