A JOINT team of Ulverston and Kirkby Lonsdale ladies emerged triumphant from a North West walking netball Christmas tournament in Wigan.

The newly named 'Ulversby Elves' might have donned elf costumes for the event but they certainly walked tall as they competed against team from five counties across the region.

They played five games, winning four and their only defeat coming by just one goal.

“In the last year I cant believe how much walking netball has grown," said active communities coordinator Hannah Paling.

"It's great that the ladies are not only playing in Ulverston, they are even meeting up with other walking netball groups in the area as well as competing in competitions around the county and region.

"It's turned in to such a social thing now

"They don’t just meet and play on Tuesday here at Ulverston LC they often travel to Kirkby Lonsdale on a Thursday to play with their group.

"They take it upon themselves to enter tournaments whenever there’s one going on.

"They are very keen which is great.

"A good number of these ladies use to play/umpire at a good level a while back.

"You can tell by how good they are and their understanding of the game.

"I’m so happy I’ve been able to give them the opportunity to be able to play their much loved sport again and play it competitively.

"You never get too old for a medal and the feeling of winning is such a great sense of achievement.

"That healthy competitive streak never leaves you.”

If you are interested in joining the friendly group, they meet on Tuesdays at 2pm at Ulverston Tennis Centre. Contact Hannah.paling@gll.org for more information.