HOCKEY players in Northwich plan to mark the start of a new season by asking newcomers to join their team.

Two clubs, both of them called Winnington Park, completed a merger earlier this year.

To celebrate, they have arranged a launch party this weekend.

It coincides with HockeyFest, an initiative by governing body England Hockey to encourage its members to show off the friendly and social nature of the sport.

"Everybody is invited," said spokesman Stuart Entwistle.

"That could be current or past players - young and old - along with anybody thinking about getting back into hockey after a break."

Three friendly matches have been scheduled for the new pitch at Grange School in Hartford, where the club's ladies' teams will play home matches this season.

Adults, aged 14 and above, will play for an hour from 12.15pm.

The juniors take over from 1.30pm before a 'Get into hockey' game from 2.30pm.

A barbecue follows at Winnington Park Rugby Club - the club's home - later the same day.

Those intending to be part of the club's launch are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance.

For further details, visit winningtonparkhockeyclub.co.uk

Potential new players can take a first step by clicking 'Join this club'.

Meanwhile the ladies concluded their preparations for a new campaign in the Cheshire Women's League when they prevailed in a pre-season tournament hosted by Golborne last weekend.

The first team travel to Bowdon's thirds for a Division One fixture on Saturday.

Winnington's seconds host their Warrington counterparts at Grange School in Division Four, push-back 1.30pm.