TOM MIDDLETON got more than he bargained for when he travelled to Hungary with England for the European Sitting Volleyball Championships.

The 60-year-old went out essentially as a coach, but ended up playing six matches after late withdrawals stretched the squad's resources to the limit.

England lost every game but Middleton, the county's volleyball development officer, said it gave them a good insight into the standards they will need to aspire to when they qualify as hosts for the 2012 Paralympics in London.

Middleton explained: "I was supposed to be going out as first reserve but I ended up getting six Test caps. It was quite demanding for an 'old boy' but the good thing about the game is that once you're on the floor everyone is equal."

Middleton was accompanied on trip by University of Kent student Sarah Pegg, who acted as men's team manager.

The 21-year-old, who is studying sociology, has turned to sitting volleyball after developing problems with her knees.

Middleton added: "Sarah wanted to experience the tournament format and the players really took to her, to the extent they nicknamed her ma’am out of respect."