A NICHE ‘walking hockey’ club in Bromsgrove designed to promote sport to people over the age of 40 has won a national award for innovation, just months after launching.

The sport has proved a hit with residents and has even attracted interest from clubs abroad since it was launched in January by Bromsgrove Hockey Club coach Alan Gormley.

The idea has now landed the club with an England Hockey Innovation Award 2016-2017 at a ceremony held at the Athena in Leicester on Saturday, May 20.

Mr Gormley, who was given the award by hockey star Hollie Webb – who won gold at the Rio Olympics – said: “We are delighted to have won.

“The response we have at the award ceremony was overwhelming.

“As a club it is a great feather in our cap. It is a national award so you do not get it very often. The whole club is buzzing.

“The push for England Hockey is to get people playing and there is a big gap in the market for people who are 40 plus. Walking Hockey is for these people.

“The fact that there is interest from around the world means it can catch fire.”

Mr Gormley is now embarking on a three-week trip across Dubai, New Zealand and Australia to introduce the sport to interested clubs.

To join the sessions, which are held at Bromsgrove Hockey Club every Monday, call Alan on 07731369942.