AN EMERGING racket sport is giving an older generation of players a new lease of life.

Pickleball is a cross between table tennis, badminton and tennis and involves hitting a large ball over a net with a paddle.

It may not sound revolutionary, but the sport can be played at a slower pace than many racket sports, making it ideal for the over-50s. The game is being promoted by the Vale of White Horse District Council in partnership with Age UK and leisure centre contractors Better.

Vale community support officer Ashley Chapman, 28, said: “It’s really great for older age groups, but it can be enjoyed by younger people as well.”

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