WOMEN of all ages gathered for a day of fun cricket in Worcester.

The Women's Soft Ball Cricket MEGA Festival, organised by the county cricket club and held at Blackfinch New Road, saw 156 women and girls over the age of 14 take part in short, fun games of cricket.

The day started with a group photo and a zumba session led by instructor Stella Thomas, before the teams went and played on their separate pitches.

The games were played by teams of around eight, and were organised into eight overs per side, batting in pairs.

Tasha White, captain of the Martley Mandarins team, said: "We are a group of women who did not necessarily know each other but we are all connected in one way or another to Martley Cricket Club.

"In my case, I have always loved cricket, both of my sons and my husband both play, but I never got the chance to play it.

"It has been great, not just for giving us the opportunity to play cricket, but also for bringing us together as a group.

"On top of the games we are playing, being active and coming down to this beautiful ground is really special."

Women's Soft Ball Cricket in Worcester is growing, and more women and girls took part in the free event this year than in the last two years.

Entry also included a ticket for each participant to the Worcestershire Rapids vs Leicestershire Foxes T20 match being held at the ground on the day of the festival.