IT WAS a case of sport for all and try something new at a community-owned sports centre last week.

Moretonhampstead Sports and Community Centre held an open afternoon and evening last Friday, and is proved to be a great success.

The centre boasts gym facilities, studios, greens and pitches – as well as a riding arena.

A spokesperson said: ‘The day was well attended with visitors from both the local community and further afield.

‘Demonstrations of Taekwondo, tennis, static bike ‘spinning’ and bowls created a lot of interest and gym memberships will definitely be increasing!’

Trustee Graham Austin added: ‘We had quite a few people sign up for the gym and many people who are used to playing some sports tried their hand at new ones, and were pleasantly surprised.

‘We were extremely pleased at the turn out. It’s the first open day we’ve held for some 15 years, and we’re already planning on the next one, hopefully for September.

‘Our principles are health and wellbeing, which is so important in a rural location.’

The centre is keen to add new sports and community services to the range it offers and the bar and function rooms are available for hosting events from local church groups, to wedding celebrations, to company meetings.

For further information about how you can get involved as a service provider, a volunteer or to join classes or clubs and benefit from what the centre has to offer, call 01647440107.