ALTON Hockey Club started the season with a celebration of hockey with their club day, part of England Hockey’s HockeyFest.

The annual event held at Amery Hill School marks the end of summer and the start of the winter season for the club and involves members of all ages, both junior and senior.

This year the club welcomed Great Britain international Liam Sanford to the event, hot from the England men’s success at the EuroHockey championship in Amsterdam where they won bronze medals.

The first hour of the day was dedicated to new juniors who had never tried hockey before, and 25 new players turned up to give it a go.

The remainder of the morning was for the junior section of the club playing games, competing to shoot through the specially designed net and chatting with Liam about his playing experiences, and admiring his medal.

The afternoon consisted of a mixed tournament for the adults.

The good weather added to the atmosphere, along with parent volunteers, a barbecue, drinks and cakes.

League games are already under way for the ladies’ and junior sections, and the men’s section.

Anybody interested in joining the club should send an e-mail to [email protected] or take a look at the club’s website at: www.altonhockeyclub.co.uk for more information.

The next big event for the club is the final Push for a Pitch fundraising event, raising money for a new astroturf.