SWINDON Croquet Club will now be able to turn winter into summer thanks to a grant from the National Lottery.

They recently discovered they are to receive more than £3,500 and will use the money to purchase an indoor croquet carpet so they can play all year round.

John Airey, chairman of the club's development committee, said: "This lottery grant will help the club to bring croquet to a wider section of the public in Swindon, expanding the sport that the British excel at."

The carpet will allow the club greater flexibility and they will be able to showcase the sport by moving around the town with displays and demonstrations.

Mr Airey explained that club links with local schools have increased three-fold over the last three years with the club providing outdoor coaching for more than 500 children last year.

The summer programme starts with the opening of the club's lawns at Moredon playing fields on Saturday, April 3 and Sunday, April 4. Visitors are welcome to attend the club from April onwards on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings after 5.30pm.

Use of equipment and coaching are available free for first time players.

For more details contact John on 01793 873026 or visit www.swindoncroquetclub.org.uk