OVER 100 people picked up a paddle for Bournemouth's first-ever pickleball festival.

The event, organised by Dorset Pickleball Club and Convert Pickleball, took place on Sunday, August 25, at the tennis courts in Bournemouth gardens.

Pickleball is an emerging sport that originated in the USA and combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

Event organiser and co-founder of Dorset Pickleball and Convert Pickleball, Adam Kidman, said: "People have come from all over the country to be a part of this event.

"Pickleball is such an inclusive sport, and we wanted to make sure everybody could come along."

According to Adam, pickleball is much easier to play than tennis because it's played on a smaller court and can accommodate a variety of skill levels.

The Bournemouth Pickleball Festival had players aged 14 to 80 years old. Adam added: "The day has been a huge success and a great way to bring the community together."