A NORTH sports club was bursting with pride when it came a close second in a national award scheme.

Bishop Auckland Table Tennis Club was runner up in the club of the year category of the 2018 Pride of Table Tennis Awards.

The recognition was the second time the club had been finalist in the contest, which is run by Table Tennis England, in three years after winning the award in 2016.

Club chairman Matt Porter said: “To be short listed into the final three is some achievement. To have won it once and runners up in three years shows were doing something right."

The judges said they were impressed with how the club balanced a large community programme with competitive play- achieving national success without compromising on its community spirit ethos.

The club runs primary and secondary afterschool clubs, community sessions for all ages and abilities including disability sessions and talent development programmes and pathways for all players.

Bishop Barrington School, where the club is based, was also honoured as runner-up in the partner of the year category.

Bishop Auckland Table Tennis club runs sessions every night of the week and new players are always welcome, visit bishopaucklandttc.co.uk or call Mr Porter on 07411-018856 for details.