More than 60 people turned up at Gainsborough Sports Centre yesterday to take part in the town’s first Boccia Festival of its kind – including two world championship players

People of all abilities and experience took part in the event, including players with disabilities.

The festival, organised jointly by Elatus Sports, ActivIpswich and Suffolk Sport, featured a demonstration by regional championship player Holly Goodwyn and Evie Edwards, who will be flying to the world championships in Beijing tomorrow, before the day’s programme got underway.

Mike McCarthy from ActivIpswich said: “It’s been very, very good. We have mixed all the teams so people get to play with people they didn’t come with so they get that social opportunity.”

Evie Edwards, 21, who trains at Gainsborough Sports Centre every week added: “It’s been really good to see everyone having a go and getting involved.”