A Bordon estate has a star in its midst as the arrival of a fast-growing racket sport has proved a smash hit.

Annie Wakefield and Jasper Allen served up a treat last weekend as a pair of Star Padel courts were officially opened next to the BOSC.

The popularity of padel and pickleball has exploded with the former becoming the UK’s fastest growing sport.

So with the tennis courts at BOSC being underused and still relatively new, Annie and Jasper saw the potential and made moves to bring the booming pastime to Bordon.

A temporary conversion was granted by EHDC with the fenced, floodlit and wheelchair-accessible courts being superimposed on the existing all-weather surface.

Padel is described as a mixture of squash and tennis with Jasper and three of the UK’s top players taking to the court last Saturday to give a fast and exciting demonstration.

“It feels amazing to get here,” said Annie at the launch.

“Seven weeks on after deciding to do this look at what we’ve created, all of us together, and it’s quite unbelievable.”

The courts were officially opened by Whitehill Town Mayor, Cllr James Fryer, and Farnham & Bordon MP, Gregory Stafford, on a day where everyone had a ball.

“What is happening here is a microcosm of what’s happening around Bordon,” said Mr Stafford after lauding the physical and mental benefits of playing sport outdoors.

“People will come here from across Hampshire, Surrey and further afield and it just shows you what Bordon can do.”

There’s more to come as a pair of pickleball courts will soon be added along with a small clubhouse.

Annie and Jasper claim the two-sport set-up could be the first in the district or county while reduced playing rates will be offered to neighbours and some residents to get more people playing.