A football pitch has been converted into a croquet lawn for a club's new home.

Winterborne Valley Croquet Club has moved to Winterborne Stickland Sports and Community Club (WSSCC) from its previous site at Kingston Maurward, Dorchester.

Social play is taking place at the moment in keeping with social distancing guidelines and the first person to open play on the new lawns was the club's oldest member Tess Burt, on her 85th birthday.

Tess is the holder of a Croquet Association Diploma for services to croquet and has represented England in a women’s team in Australia.

Much work had to be done to make sure the football pitch at the club's new home, which is near Blandford, was suitable for playing croquet on.

The weather this year didn't make the move easy. Six weeks of continuous rain prevented seeding, followed by two months of almost no rain after grass seeding.

Rabbit also proved a hindrance until a rabbit proof fence was installed. Rabbit damage has limited the opening to one lawn instead of two but the second lawn should also be playable in the near future.

The project has been accomplished with a generous grant from the local Solar Fund and also the Croquet Association.

The strict application of social distancing requirements and, following advice, other precautions, means that only social play is possible at present. League matches and competitions will follow when the regulations allow.

Chairman Tim Dennis said the support from the club's new home has been 'superb'.

He added: “We are delighted that play can now start on our new lawns. Without a generous grant from the local Solar Fund the project would have proved very difficult to accomplish.

"Following the latest lockdown changes we can now welcome new members with coaching available. We look forward to encouraging others locally to take part in this skilful, fascinating, and social sport.”

Membership is open and potential members may apply through the website www.wvcroquet.co.uk or by emailing the club (wvcroquet@gmail.com).