A club in Ulverston are ahead of the trend as they promote a hotly growing sport in the UK - pickleball.

Originating in the United States in the 1960s, the sport is played indoors on a badminton court and is a hybrid of tennis, badminton and ping pong.

Describing pickleball as one of the 'fastest growing sports in the UK', Barbara Birch has spearheaded efforts in south Cumbria to further increase its popularity.

She said: "It's doing well in the UK probably due to its its appeal to a very broad demographic range.

"The South Lakes area is no exception now, and we're seeing this burgeoning sport taking hold thanks to our club, which has gratefully been very active since we started."

Larger regional efforts have made it easier for smaller societies, such as the club in Ulverston, to take shape.

Pickleball England have put a great deal of focus on the northwest with Elaine Shallcross acting as North West Pickleball Director.

"She's helped make the northwest a thriving pickleball community," Barbara explained.

"And, in turn, I've been encouraging people to sign up with Pickleball England because it's free and gives people access to news and events within the sport."

Attempts to grow the club in Ulverston and increase its publicity have focused on appealing to the younger generation.

"I've been visiting village and school halls so that people have the chance to try out the sport," said Barbara.

"If your hall has a badminton court, then I can easily come along with the necessary equipment so that people can experience the exciting nature of pickleball."

Whilst the rules of pickleball are similar to the likes of tennis and badminton - serving diagonally and allowing the ball to bounce initially - some differences will be noted if you plan on taking part.

The court, for instance, is much smaller than its tennis counterpart, whilst the ball is larger.

Ulverston Pickleball play weekly at the Dowdales School Sports Hall on Tuesdays from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

The cost is £4 for two hours and you can get more information by contacting Barbara at barbara.birch@hotmail.co.uk.