ANYONE turning up to Pendle and Craven Croquet Club expecting to see players using flamingoes to hit rolled up hedgehogs will be disappointed.

But although to the casual observer its rules may be just as baffling as in Alice's Wonderland, enthusiasts enjoying their annual Easter Handicap Tournament on the lawns of Nelson and Colne College insisted it is the last true amateur sport.

Club secretary and founder member, John Beech, said: "It's a cross between golf, snooker and chess. You've got to be able to hit a ball straight, co-ordination is important.

"There's no money in croquet because there's no sponsorship so there's no prize money. It is the only amateur sport left."

And member Barbara Dutton urged more people to get involved, explaining: "That's the lifeblood. We encourage younger people to come but they are frightened of it as they think it's either like Alice in Wonderland, smacking flamingoes, or rich country gentlemen with country lawn. But it's not, it's a sport for all.

"Taking part is great fun. You can play it all day even if you are not physically fit. It's a bit of physical exercise out in the open air. It's nice people playing who are very helpful if they know you are a learner. It's a friendly game.

"I call it the hidden game because there's a lot of people playing, it's countrywide. People don't realise as its still an unpaid, amateur sport so of course it does not get the publicity, but lots of people play it."

Pendle and Craven's croquet players could have chosen the right moment to reveal the nation's 'hidden game'.

With the country's number one sport football hit by a storm of criticism after a series of drugs and sex scandals, as well as widespread disgust at cheating and swearing, the time could be right to persuade people to switch to the more gentle pastime.

And, as the club prepares to move to its new home in Earby after 19 years to make way for a college extension, it not only now has space for 120 players but is offering a special introductory membership fee of £35.

Another founder member, Roger Schofield, said: "It's competitive and it's a break building game like snooker.

"If you get in and get playing you can create devastating breaks. It's exciting."

The club has about 60 members and takes part in five leagues from the simplest form, golf croquet, which can be taught in five minutes, to the advanced league of the Croquet Association game. But those joining up need to be committed.

John said: "You need to do at least two hours coaching a week for a season before you are ready to compete."

Pendle and Craven Croquet Club will move to its new Earby ground in the summer and will hold its inaugural coffee morning on Saturday, May 7, at the new ground, with stalls and a raffle.

To find out more, contact John Beech on 01282 813070.