Bury Croquet Club has inspired residents to pick up a mallet as it celebrated a national day dedicated to the sport.

It held its annual National Croquet Day event at Whitehead Park on Saturday, May 27, to inspire those who have never tried the sport to come and give it a ago.

The day was an extra special one for the club, which is also celebrating its 35th anniversary.

The club’s Croquet Day event coincided with a national week of celebrations during which cubs up and down the country hold open their doors to the community.

Bury Times: Bury North MP James Daly with club chairman Roy SpencerBury North MP James Daly with club chairman Roy Spencer (Image: Bury Croquet Club)

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Residents who are not members of the club were invited to try out the sport, and the club also invited a number of distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sandra Walmsley with consort James Bentley.

The event was also attended by Bury North MP James Daly MP, Elton Ward Cllr Martin Hayes, and North Manor ward Cllr Liam James Dean, all of whom enjoyed a game of croquet.

Club chairman Roy Spencer said the event had a great turnout on a gloriously sunny day.

He added: “What a fantastic day for our event and I’m delighted to welcome of so many visitors and elected representatives who played croquet in ideal conditions”.

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Bury Times: The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sandra Walmsley and Consort James Bentley play a game of croquetThe Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sandra Walmsley and Consort James Bentley play a game of croquet (Image: Bury Croquet Club)

National Croquet Day in Bury coincided with East Lancashire Railway’s 1940’s weekend, meaning visitors also enjoyed a fly past of the Battle of Britain Memorial flight.

A number of participants signed up to take free taster sessions and others joined the club on the day.

This year, following the sad loss of a long standing member to MND the entrance donations and a T shirt raffle proceeds will be donated to the MND Association.

The event was filmed by LMS video and available to view on the YouTube Today in Radcliffe channel.