YORK Croquet Club will be holding a series of introductory courses - starting next month on the club's lawns at Scarcroft Road.

Chairman John Harris hopes the sessions will attract new members and promote the game in the York area.

"Croquet is a game of strategy, not strength, so people of either sex can play it on equal terms," he said. "It offers an absorbing mix of outdoor activity and tactical challenges.

"This is an excellent time to take up croquet," he added. "York Croquet Club is taking on an additional lawn this season and is very much on the look-out for new members keen to try this engaging game."

Courses will offer a full experience of Association Croquet as well as an in-depth introduction to the technique, laws, and tactics of the game. No experience is necessary and all equipment is supplied.

The first course starts on Tuesday April 18 at 6.30 pm. It lasts for six sessions, each of an hour and a half, and booking is essential.

Each session will be led by two York Croquet Club members, one or both of whom will be a club coach accredited by the Croquet Association.

Three more introductory courses will be held during the season, starting on Monday May 22, Tuesday June 13, and a weekend course on July 22-23.

Anyone joining the club at the end of the course will be entitled to half price membership for the rest of the season.

To book a place please ring John Harris on 01904 620211. Further information is available at www.yorkcroquet.org