A new open-age women's rounders club has been formed in Hepworth and Idle, and the message is clear: "Anyone is welcome."

The first session commenced on March 29 in line with government guidelines easing, with over 25 attendees, and since then, the club has continued to attract even more members.

And discussing her reasons behind forming the new rounders club, Chairman Julie Baraniak felt it was the perfect time to offer something a bit different after such a difficult year in lockdown.

She said: "First of all, it would be great to let people know we are here, as we are the only Ladies' rounders club in Idle and Thackley.

"I first sent the information out on March 21; however, the first session was on March 29.

"My daughter said to me that she wanted to play a game of rounders, so I put a message out on Facebook, and it just blew up from there.

"On that first session we had around 25 people attending, which was great to see, but it was quite daunting as I'm not a rounders coach.

"But for me, it's about having the chance for people to get together, to have fun, to keep fit and make friends.

"We've also applied for funding from the National Lottery because I would like to give the chance for some of the ladies to do some umpiring and coaching.

"Having fun and being able to do something different like rounders is essential, because after the year we've had, it gives the ladies a chance to focus on something.

"A lot of them have said that, and it certainly gave something to focus on. It's only in the last year that I've realised the importance of mental health and exercise."

Baraniak also confirmed that anyone is welcome to join the club, all age and ability, whilst revealing that the club will look to enter competitive competitions in the future.

She said: "We want to put the message across that anyone is welcome. Age and ability doesn't come into question, so people can get themselves down and have fun. We will be looking to play competitively that's for sure. We missed the applications for the league this time around, however we will certainly be looking to join in the future. Hopefully, we can join the West Yorkshire Rounders League starting next May."

Baraniak, who is in a temporary coaching role at the Hepworth and Idle Ladies Rounders Club currently, revealed that finding a new coach "Is definitely on the agenda."

If you are interested in a rounders coaching role on a voluntary basis, email: hepworthandidlerc@gmail.com for more information. Sessions take place from 6:30-8:00, Monday and Thursday, Hepworth and Idle Cricket Club, Westfield Lane.