CHATHAM Table Tennis Club are celebrating after being crowned Premier Club of the Year.

The accolade, awarded by the English Table Tennis Association, recognises the club's dedication to promoting the sport – as well as general health and fitness – in the community.

To qualify for the national title, which they also won in 2002, they won the south-east regional section and then went on to top a list of 800 nationwide clubs.

Club secretary Bernie Winter said: "To be a Premier Club we have to be at the hub of the region's table tennis scene. We also need to fulfil criteria such as child protection, health and safety and equality.

"The award is for all the hard work which we put into developing the junior scene. We know without them, the sport will die."

To get involved, call Bernie Winter on 01634 867426.