BALL-happy pupils are batting away their break times thanks to a charity's donation.

Lions Club members have donated two outdoor table tennis tables so students at St Aidan’s Academy, Darlington, can hone their skills.

The new facilities, worth several thousand pounds, are putting the bounce into students of all ages as they organise tournaments and fixtures in their spare time.

Darlington Lions Club president Jenny Lumley said: “We are involved in fundraising for good causes all year round and what better outcome than helping young people improve their health and wellbeing like this.”

Assistant vice principal Anthony Martin said the tables were proving popular with all year groups.

“It has provided the school with another sport and appeals to those students who don’t just want to play netball or football,” he said.

“It is a great way to keep them active during break times and is helping them develop skills, not just table tennis, but also in organising the equipment, teams and fixtures.”

Principal Nicole Gibbon added: “It is such a generous gift and is already boosting young people’s sense of responsibility, self confidence and team spirit."