YOUNG badminton players from across the county took part when Herefordshire Badminton Academy held a tournament in association with Herefordshire Badminton Association.

Although players entered the tournament as individuals, any points they accrued went towards a total for their school to give them a further incentive for success.

Hereford Cathedral Junior School, Weobley High Schol and John Kyrle High School were all pacesetters in the school award but it was Fairfield High School’s pupils who performed consisitently to emerge with the overall prize.

“It is nice for my school to get some recognition for a sport which is becoming popular here,”

said Fairfield’s joint head of PE Amanda Cornwell.

The tournament was such a success that a doubles tournament is now planned for February 10.

Anyone interested in joining the Academy should contact Les Butts on 01905 381639 or Rachel McGill on 07802 525386 or simply turn up at Hereford Cathedral School Sports Hall in Castle Street on Sundays at 3pm.

The academy are now running adult sessions every Sunday during term-time at the same venue between 2-3pm. Everyone is welcome.

RESULTS Under-19 Girls: Winner, Caroline Hartland (John Kyrle); runner-up, Lauren Kedward (Hereford Sixth Form College).

Under-17 Boys: Winner, Ryan Clack (John Kyrle); runner-up, Simon Watkins (Wigmore).

Under-14 Girls: Winner, Hannah Larkin (Hereford Cathedral Junior School; runner-up, Mhairi McGill (HCJS).

Under-14 Boys: Winner, Robert Holding (Weobley); runner-up Ryan Fazakarley (Tenbury); third, Luke Bailey (Fairfield); fourth, Louis Rodgers (Weobley).