HANDBALL returned to the town for the first time in 30 years with a successful Olympic-themed taster session.

Handball star Louise Jukes, who competed for Team GB at the London 2012 Games, led the successful event at Suffolk One by inspiring the newcomers to embrace the fast-paced sport.

More than 100 people attended the event, and Ms Jukes, a former Holbrook High School student, said: “It was an absolutely fantastic turnout. I couldn’t believe how many people came.”

Those who attended were encouraged to sign up to a six-week course in handball with the aim of setting up a permanent club in Ipswich at the end of the programme.

The launch of Ipswich Handball was co-ordinated through a partnership of England Handball, ITFC Charitable Trust and Suffolk Sport, which were able to fund the project through Sport England’s Olympic Legacy project, Sportivate.

Dave Hendrick, handball activator for England Handball, said: “The London Olympics opened the eyes of the British public to the fun, fast-paced and high-scoring sport. Ipswich used to have a handball club in the late 1970s and early 1980s, so it’s great to have one back again.”

Ben Jackson, sports development officer at Suffolk Sport, added: “This was the biggest launch of handball that we have had in the Ipswich area for a long time.”

The sessions will be held every Wednesday from 6.15pm to 7.15pm.

For details contact Dave Hendrick on 07990 744717 or e-mail dave.hendrick@englandhandball.com