'Building a community of like-minded people'

THE owners of a Northumberland site where padel courts have opened hope their installation will "build a community of like-minded people".

- DANIEL HALL

Chris and Poppy Downs have opened two padel courts at Vallum Farm after discovering the sport when holidaying in Spain.

The racquet sport, which is similar to tennis but played in an enclosed court where the ball can be bounced off the walls, is the UK's fastest growing sport. Though there is a court at Hexham Tennis Club, Vallum's are the first indoor courts in the Tyne Valley.