DUE to the popularity of the scheme in Hexham, walking netball sessions will start in Haltwhistle next week.

The weekly sessions at Wentworth Leisure Centre have proved extremely successful, and Active Northumberland hopes this can be replicated elsewhere in the district.

Sessions will begin at Haltwhistle Leisure Centre on Mondays between 11.15am and 12.15pm, and there are also discussions about taking the sport to outreaching communities such as Wark.

Active Northumberland’s sports development manager for West Northumberland, Kathie Keady, said: “It’s amazing how the walking netball has attracted a range of people. Some have never played for years and some just want to play again, and it is incredible how it improves people’s balance and fitness. All women are welcome, and it is there for those who may not want to go to the gym or want to take part in a team sport.”

In addition to the walking netball, a ‘back to netball’ scheme running at Wentworth between 6pm and 7pm on Sundays has attracted women ranging in age from 16 to 60.