A WALKING netball team has found a new lease of life after it was close to collapsing.

Bolton Ladies Walking Netball Team was struggling to sustain itself after a drop in membership and irregular training sessions.

But now, after work by Age UK and member Alison Heywood, the team now has around 30 members who train every Tuesday at Smithills School and might even begin competing in tournaments.

Mrs Heywood, aged 56, used to play walking netball at a team in Chorley before it closed and was determined not to let it happen again.

She said: “I had been playing in the Chorley one and it folded due to lack of members.

“So I started going to this one in Smithills. There were quite a few ladies who already went but it was getting a bit ad hoc with only a few turning up.

“We have got a new coach and between us we have been building up the numbers again. We have a lovely group of ladies and everyone just has such a great time playing together.

“It was starting to look like it would collapse but I just did not want to lose another team. I love playing and all it needs is people and a bit of effort.”

The team accepts members aged 50 and over, with the oldest member, Heide Buyle, aged 77.

The Tuesday training sessions take place between 11.30am and 12.30pm and cost £2.50, which goes towards Age UK. Anyone interested should call 01204 337877.