BADMINTON players who have never played in a league or club team are being invited to take part in a national event.

Bishop Barrington School Sports With Mathematics College, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is hosting the Carlton National Leisure Centres' Championships, on Saturday, December 15, from 9am to 6pm.

The tournament is only open to social and recreational players who have never played in a league or for any club team, at senior level, thereby providing the opportunity for players compete within their own standard of play Categories include: Under 18s boys' singles, under 18s girls' singles, men's singles, women's singles, men and women's doubles, mixed doubles and over 50's men's and women's doubles.

The winners will go on to compete against players from other leisure centres in other rounds, culminating in the finals to be held at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes on May 31.

Players wishing to take part in the mini-tournament at Bishop Barrington School Sports Hall should return their application forms by Saturday, December 8.

Entry fee costs 6, for more details ring 01388-459468, after 6pm Monday to Friday.