A NICHE new sports club got off to a flyer last night when dozens of residents turned up to try their hand at ‘walking hockey’.

Fairfield granddad Alan Gormley, who is Head Development Coach at Bromsgrove Hockey Club, launched the opening night on the club's astro pitch on Monday, January 9.

He expected around 15 people to join the first of his weekly sessions, but was overwhelmed when more than double the number turned up.

Mr Gormley, 61, who was inspired to launch the club as a spin-off to ‘walking football’, said: "I'd set myself a success level of 15 people, in the end we actually had 35!

"We had a really diverse group including two people over 70 who had never played before! It was amazing."

The sessions have led to interest from hockey's national Governing Body in England, who are keen to see how the sport is received. 

A further five sessions will run as a trial every Monday at Bromsgrove Hockey Club from 7-8pm, costing £2 each, with the hope of running the club permanently.

For more information call Alan on 07731369942.