FOUNDED in 1930, St Helens Table Tennnis League was wound up last season due to lack of players and general apathy.

Now it could be set to rise, phoenix-like, from the ashes -- thanks mainly to the efforts of stalwarts Bryan Wearden and Lol Morris. For, along with the local authority, the dynamic duo have set up an after-school club at Eaves Lane school, Sutton, where head teacher Jean Moore has given the venture unqualified approval.

And they have been served a real ace with the news that local table tennis has received a massive boost, courtesy of a £3,830 lottery grant from Sport England, which will be used to buy equipment.

This will include a table with adjustable legs for younger players, while pupils from the game's other hot-bed, Sutton High School, will also benefit with the purchase of four top-quality tables.

Sutton High and Rainford High recently represented St Helens in the Merseyside Schools competition held on the Wirral, and fared well, with brothers Andrew and Mark Davies reaching the final and semi-final respectively.

As part of St Helens Festival of Sport, table tennis tournaments and coaching sessions will be held at Sutton Community Centre on Saturday, March 31, from 10am to 3pm. Participants should report to Bryan Wearden or Lol Morris.