TWO villages are in possession of brand new table tennis tables after an initiative by the sport’s local and national organisations.

The Braintree Table Tennis League has used Table Tennis England’s Ping in the Community fund to provide Great Yeldham and Finchingfield with tables.

The fund also provided nets, bats and balls, so that they could start up table tennis clubs and progress into the local league.

The response was immediate in both villages and a thriving club now exists in both.

The club in Great Yeldham became so popular that the parish council has donated a further table while in Finchingfield the club has put their own funds towards a second table, also with help from Table Tennis England.

Both villages have now entered teams into the Braintree League, whose season starts again later this month.

Stewart Grant, secretary of the Finchingfield club, said: "The support from Table Tennis England and the Braintree League has been terrific and really appreciated by all in the club.

“It's allowed us to have two new, very good quality tables, something we otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford.

“Some new members have joined and it's also encouraged us to join the Braintree League so we're going for it.

“We're a diverse and friendly club of all ages and standards."

The club meets every Monday at 7.30pm at Finchingfield Village Hall.