SHOBDON residents have been shaping up and socialising with new badminton equipment thanks to a funding boost from a county business.

After the village identified to the parish council it was in need of new badminton facilities, a new court was marked up in Shobdon Village Hall – but it still needed equipment.

A £300 grant was awarded to the club by the Kingspan Insulation Community Trust which enabled it to purchase the nets, posts, rackets and shuttlecocks needed to get the hall echoing with the satisfying sound of smashes and rallies.

Malcolm Weaver, of Shobdon Badminton Club, said: "It’s been great to see villagers of a wide age range taking part in the badminton club.

"After gaining the new equipment, players were able to hone their skills as well as improve their fitness.

"Having additional equipment available also resulted in more members coming down to play on a regular basis, creating a lively social scene for all involved."

The Kingspan Insulation Community Trust provides funding to projects within the catchment areas of Wigmore High School, Lady Hawkins’ School, Earl Mortimer College and Tenbury High School in Herefordshire a Worcestershire.

For more information or to apply for funding visit KingspanInsulationCommunityTrust.org.