An Otley-based hockey club will begin holding open sessions next week in a bid to attract more people to the sport.

Otliensians Hockey Club has been running for more than 60 years after being founded by ex-pupils of Prince Henry’s Grammar School.

The club has been struggling to recruit new members so is hoping the 7pm to 8pm Monday night Back to Hockey sessions, which start at Horsforth School on April 28, will spark more interest.

Otliensians player Ros Tucker said: “We have enjoyed both success and lots of fun over the years.

“In recent years we have found it increasingly difficult to attract new members, not least because competitive hockey is no longer played at Prince Henry’s.

“But we have decided we will not go out without a fight and have embarked on organising some Back to Hockey sessions with the support of England Hockey.

“These sessions are open to all abilities and are designed to encourage ladies to rediscover their love of hockey and what a fantastic sport it is to be involved in, and will be a fun reintroduction to hockey.

“We are a great social team and have lots of fun while keeping fit. We look forward to welcoming new members to help us keep Otley’s hockey going for at least another 62 years.”

The sessions, being run in partnership with Pudsey Ladies and Horsforth Ladies Hockey Clubs, will run at Horsforth School until Monday, June 16.

To find out more, call Otliensians president Maggie Simpson on 07711 936279.