BOLTON’S going batty for Ping Pong with tables set up in a shopping centre for the public to use.

The three tables have been provided by Table Tennis England creating a pop up Ping Pong Parlour in what used to be Perfect Home in Crompton Place next to Beaverbrooks jewellers.

Members of the public can pick up a bat and ball any time during opening hours to enjoy a knock.

Table tennis coach John Barker, 48, teaches at Hilton Table Tennis Centre in Horwich. At weekends he is offering free coaching sessions in the parlour.

Mr Barker, from Swinton, said: "I took it up because I was no good at football or rugby, I wasn’t good at other ball sports.

"There was an incentive to play at the centre in Ordsall when I was 12, then I carried on in college."

Inspired by seeing other Ping Pong Parlours in Liverpool and Runcorn Mr Barker approached Crompton Place about hosting one in Bolton.

He and Paula Wood, the shopping centre manager, worked to make the dream a reality and now three full-size Ping Pong tables are available for anyone to use in the town centre.

Bolton now joins 33 other shopping centres nationwide hosting Ping Pong Parlours as part of Table Tennis England's push to inspire people to get active and take up the sport.

Mr Barker said the sport is suitable for all ages and abilities and hoped some Alzheimer's groups might visit the parlour.

The parlour has a three-month lease but could stay longer if there is demand.

Keely Armitt, from Table Tennis England said: "Ping Pong Parlours are aimed at everyone - irrespective or age, ability or gender, especially those who wouldn’t normally consider going out to play a sport, by reaching them in a place they already spend time.".

Mr Barker, will be in the Ping Pong Parlour today from 10am until 1pm offering tips and help to those picking up a bat.

n To find out more visit pingpongparlour.net online.

Visit Crompton Place Shopping Centre on Facebook to see when free coaching is available.