A NEW outdoor table tennis table has been added to the facilities at a New Forest recreation ground.

Ringwood Town Council has introduced the attraction to Carvers Recreation Ground off Southampton Road.

The table, which is situated just in front of Carvers Clubhouse, a youth and community centre, is "semi-permanent".

Hilary Edge, a Ringwood Town councillor who championed the new table, said: "Table tennis is affordable, sociable, good for your health and great fun especially in an outdoor setting.

“I am so pleased that this additional facility has been brought to Carvers and I am looking forward to seeing some organised friendly tournaments and coaching next year.”

It was hoped that the new table would be in place for the start of the summer but the project was hit by delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Anyone wanting to play can bring their own equipment or borrow or buy bats and balls from the clubhouse during the café opening hours – 11am to 4.30pm Wednesday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturday.

Charmaine Bennett, manager of Carvers Clubhouse, said: “We are delighted to have the new table in place. Our rollaway table is really popular with families and teenagers and it’s great that table tennis can now be played whether the centre is open or not."