Children learn from 'robobat'

TABLE tennis enthusiasts at Beaminster School can now put their skills against an unusual opponent - a robot.

Youngsters have been trying out the piece of modern sporting technology, which releases balls at random angles and speeds, for the first time in a training session this week.

Bob Pearson, coach at the school, said: "We needed the robot as a training aid for the children and adult pupils of our coaching scheme.

"The youngsters in particular love it, because it can fire a stream of balls at them at any speed up to 100 miles per hour."

As well as being immense fun, the robot enables the coach to stand at the player's end and advise on technique and footwork.

The scheme aims to bring beginners up to the standard where they can compete in local leagues.

After just two years, four youngsters and six adults have been placed in teams in the Yeovil League.

Funding for the new equipment was acquired by community support. West Dorset District Council's Small Grants for Sport donated £200 for the project and other generous grants were received from Beaminster Town Council, Aplin and Barrett, and the town's table tennis club.