Students have the chance to take up an Olympic sport after a new initiative was launched at their college.

Five table tennis tables have been placed at various locations around Easton College, on the outskirts of Norwich, after Sport England provided nearly �12,000 for the project.

The tables are located near the sports centre, residential accommodation and teaching blocks, allowing students from across the college to get involved.

Students have also been provided with free bats and balls to use whenever they are at college.

Karl Chapman, who implemented the project at Easton College, said: 'The tables are really visual and provide a great informal opportunity for students to get involved with a new sport for the first time.

'We have been lucky to secure this funding from Sport England and thanks to them and the Association of Colleges in the Eastern Region who have supported the project.'

It is planned to have a calendar of events across the academic year and students will be invited to coaching sessions where qualified student leaders will provide quick and informal demonstrations to help improve skills.

Sport England has been with ACER (Association of Colleges in the Eastern Region) to look at ways to increase 19-plus participation in sport at further education colleges. Similar projects are also being implemented at City College Norwich and The College of West Anglia.

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Above: Claire Nicholson-Clinch (ACER) Jo Mather, Jaque Pound-Scully, Matt Powley, Richard Wilkinson (Student Leaders) Tracey Breese, Karl Chapman, Clive Bound (Easton College) Back Row; John Andrews (ETTA).

Picture: SUBMITTED