THE second Cumbria walking netball tournament which was hosted by England Netball in Kendal this week proved to be a great success.

Teams from across the county and one from Lancaster played in a friendly tournament which saw the Kirkbytons, a collaboration of players from Ulverston and Kirkby Lonsdale, take the gold medals and the Lancaster Re-Terns bag silver.

Anne Craddock, who plays for the Kirkby Stephen group, said the sport was hugely enjoyable and urged more people to become involved.

"We love walking netball because we are having a lot of fun while keeping ourselves fit at a brisk walking pace that we can maintain throughout a game," she said.

"We are still very competitive and enjoy developing our skills in the sport.

"Laughter and smiling faces leaving the hall are the signs of our success.

"Everyone is welcome here whatever their ability, some want to compete in festivals, others just want to play for fun and fitness."

Ellen Pearce, England Netball’s Development Officer for Cumbria, said walking netball was booming in Cumbria with groups in Ulverston, Kendal, Kirkby Stephen, Kirkby Lonsdale and Troutbeck all taking part in weekly sessions.

Alongside the Walking Netball, teams from Penrith, Keswick, Windermere and Lancaster competed in a ‘Netball Now’ tournament. Netball Now groups run open sessions where you can just ‘turn up and play’ netball.

For more information about netball in Cumbria contact ellen.pearce@englandnetball.co.uk