THE Weymouth & District League is celebrating the news that they have received a cash windfall.

Their bid for funding from Sport England proved a success after months of hard work from league secretary Andy Millar and his team.

The league will receive a £9,100 cash boost to assist after-school clubs in the district and Millar believes most of the money will be spent on new tables and barriers.

The secretary will meet with chairman Neil Hardisty and treasurer Steve Rook on Tuesday to look out how best to spend the money over the next 12 months it is active.

Hardisty, the Budmouth College table-tennis co-ordinator, was suitably delighted with the grant award.

He added: “It is awesome news for the league and well done to everybody for all their hard work and perseverance – not only with the bid but also with the work put in with all the youngsters.”

He added: “This money is definitely going to help with the schools’ work and give huge encouragement to all those involved.”

Meanwhile on the table the youngsters of South Dorset continue to make their mark on the Southern England youth scene as Team Solent/Weymouth have just been crowned champions of division two of the National Cadet Table Tennis League's Southern Division.

Indeed Weymouth won all of their matches in the competition which featured teams from Bognor Regis, Winchester, Bournemouth and Portsmouth amongst others.

Leading light for the resort outfit was Budmouth’s Ben Graham who made it 30 singles wins from 30 games since November while Sam Millar, guesting for Bournemouth C in the first division, ended the campaign as their top-ranked player.

Andy Millar summarised the success. He said: “The young players did fantastic and it’s clear Weymouth is really competing at youth level now in the South of the country. It’s amazing progress and I am really proud of all their efforts."

“Table tennis is expanding fast in the district and players of all ages and abilities are welcome to join after-school clubs running at Wey Valley, Budmouth and All Saints. There is also youth coaching taking place on Mondays and Saturdays in Weymouth, added Millar.

* For more details on all table tennis playing opportunities for both seniors and juniors in South Dorset, Andy Millar can be contacted on (01305) 772743 or 07710507075.

And for more news on the local table tennis scene including all the stats from the Weymouth & District League please log onto weyttl.org.uk