A NEW group has been getting the over 50s fit with the launch of a walking netball club.

Following the success of walking football in the over 50s, the netball group has been set up in Basildon.

The group have started meeting at the Sporting Village, in Cranes Farm Road, for weekly sessions which give older women the opportunity to play netball on a regular basis, but at a slower and more manageable pace.

The sessions have also allowed people who were forced to stop doing the sport due to serious injury or thought they would have had to give up many years ago, an opportunity to play the game all over again.

England Netball have also pledged their support to the weekly sessions at the Sporting Village.

A spokesman said: “It can give those who feel isolated an outlet, provide an activity for those who don’t deem themselves fit enough to run anymore and offer a stepping stone for those looking for a pathway back into netball.”

Walking netball sessions are held every Thursday from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Admission to take part is £3.50 for each person.