AROUND 70 children enjoyed a hugely successful table tennis festival for 7-11 year olds at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School.

The event which was jointly initiated, co-ordinated and organised by Becky Richardson of the Eden Valley Sports Partnership and Mike Sunderland of the Kendal & District Table Tennis League saw youngsters from six primary schools within the Eden Valley area competing.

Adult volunteers helped to run the event, ably supported by young leaders from Kirkby Stephen Grammar School and the children were introduced to the basic skills required to start playing and enjoying table tennis in a fun environment.

Turning to more competitive play, and the Kendal & District Table Tennis Winter League is nearing the halfway point.

In Division 1, unbeaten Burton A, with 184 points from 7 matches, are in pole position but have yet to play defending champions IBIS, who currently trail them by 17 points.

Kirkby Stephen’s England junior Jake Haygarth is the only player in Division 1 with a 100 per cent record.

In Division 2, Burton D are well ahead at the top having won all 8 of their matches and accumulated a healthy 218 points, 28 points ahead of second placed Natland D.

Burton D’s David Hewitt has won all 15 of his matches in the first half.

The Knock Cup competition, sponsored by the Hooley Tratt Partnership, starts this week.