Walking football sessions are set to return in Cheddar for both male and female players next week, following the relaxation of Covid lockdown restrictions.

Cheddar Walking Football Club has announced that its men's and ladies teams will be back meeting next week at Kings Leisure in the village.

For the men, there will be a "welcome back" session on Tuesday, March 30, at 7.30pm and this will be preceded by a warm-up, stretching session to assist the players after this latest lockdown.

The ladies' only sessions will start at 7pm on March 31 and, if a suitable replacement day and time can be found for the men's group, the ladies sessions will be taking place on Tuesday nights at 7.30pm with effect from April 6.

Walking football is very much like five-a-side football, but with a couple of key differences to make it suitable for all people.

The ball cannot go above head height, there is no running but you can walk fast, and it is non-contact, so you can block a ball but not tackle other players.

A spokesperson for the club said: "It is not just for old men, it is suitable for all ages, both sexes, for fit and disabled people, it is fun, and it is football, but would suit new or non-footballers too."

Sessions are priced at £3, with the first couple free, and then the only kit you need is standard gym or leisurewear and training shoes - not football boots.

The spokesperson said: "Cheddar Walking Football Club would not only like to thank its sponsors for their kind provision of funds in order to purchase kits, training gear, bibs, pay for facilities, etc, but would also like to thank member Tim Youngberg for providing new football tops to use at sessions and also David Bryant for the very kind donation of 22 new leather footballs for use at sessions, as well as the upcoming loan of his partner, Lisa Konkl, to the ladies' group sessions when they restart.

"It is donations such as these that help the group grow and means that costs to the players is negligible, and that everyone can get on with reliving their younger days and enjoy football again.

"On this subject we would also like to thank Pro-Touch (SW) for sponsoring the trophy for the annual Vice-Chairman's Match, which couldn't take place at Christmas but will be played very soon.

"Thanks again to the Cider Barn, DJB Taxis, Tim Youngberg, Dave Bryant, Shaun Palfrey from Pro Touch and Nicky at Kings - and Holly Tyson before her - for helping this group go from strength to strength."

To join in, just pop along to Kings Fitness on one of the dates mentioned above, and make yourself known to Tim Richens.