The first ever GB International Open Pickleball tournament with over two hundred entrants was played in Gillingham, Kent and the little village of Austwick did Yorkshire proud.

Pam Whitehead and Jo Martin brought home the silver medal in the women's doubles event.

Players from as far afield as France, Spain, Finland and the USA fought hard for the much coveted medals, but it was the Austwick girls that battled their way to success.

Pickleball is the fastest growing racket sport in the USA and this trend is now happening right here on our home shores.

A combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is played on a badminton court with a net the same height as those seen in tennis. The paddles (bats) are similar to table tennis ones but are much larger, while the ball is slightly bigger than a tennis ball and is made of aerated plastic. It is a game suitable for all ages and abilities which is one of the key reasons behind its growing popularity.

The Austwick Piccalillis have open play at Giggleswick school on Saturday mornings between 10am and noon. There are four courts running in which players compete in ability groups, from total beginner to the more advanced. All the equipment needed is provided so anyone who would be interested in trying their hand at a new sport is invited to go along and enjoy this fun and entertaining game.

You can contact the Austwick Piccalillis on austwickpickleball@outlook.com for more information.