Olympic fever prompts table tennis fans in Fenland to try out the sport.

Story by: TOM JACKSON

A SUMMER of watching the Olympics could have been the perfect promotion for table tennis in Fenland, with more people taking up the sport.

Nearly 50 people stepped up to the table for March and District Table Tennis Club's first training session of the new season.

And, with some regular players not venturing out to last Tuesday's session, organisers could be forced to create a waiting list for players to join the league.

"It was a big increase," said league organiser Derek Stacey. "I don't know whether it was because of the Olympics that so many people came along, but there are a lot of members from last year who were not at the first session.

"We might have to make a waiting list again, just like we have for the last three years."

The training sessions continue for a couple more weeks, before the start of the new league.

Teams of one adult and two junior players will be created, in a selection process similar to that used on the school field when making teams for a game of football.

Mr Stacey said: "It is a system we have used for a few years now and it makes the league more competitive.

"It also means we usually don't know who is going to win the league until a few weeks before the end, because the teams are even in ability. It avoids having one team that will beat everyone easily."

The sessions attract people aged eight to 75 - with players from March, Chatteris, Wisbech, Elm, Coates, Welney and even Peterborough.

League matches, as well as training sessions for younger players, are held Tuesdays at the Neale-Wade Community College in Wimblington Road.

• Sessions cost £1 per week for juniors who meet from 7-8pm, and £2 for adults and juniors who play from 7-9.30pm.

For more information, contact Mr Stacey on 01354 652325.