Plans have been announced to run a first-ever national shul table-tennis league and knock-out championship starting in March.

Organised in association with Maccabi GB, the competition will feature an under-17 and an open event, with players of all standards welcome.

The league aims to support the many shul members who play table tennis and encourage more to take part in the sport, and interact with people from across the community.

Both the championship and league will be sponsored by Maccabi GB, as part of its Sports For Everyone initiative, timed to coincide with the year of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Co-founder Adam Black said: "There used to be local Jewish leagues all over the UK. Now for the first time we're running a national one.

"It's a great chance for the community to get together in a completely new way."

The first event will take place at Batts, Harlow, Essex on March 11.