A SPORT has unofficially returned to a Cotswold town more than a century after it held the first world cup. 

Moreton's Croquet Club has opened a new clubhouse with plans to welcome more members to an "amazing club" where everyone is welcome. 

The sport, which is "a fun game, but tactical and can be quite serious", has historic heritage in Moreton with the first World Championship being held on the towns cricket field. 

Since then people from across the area have continued to enjoy croquet with Moreton Croquet Club opening in 2021 and the new clubhouse having opened on Saturday (October 26). 

The new £24,000 building along with two full lawns and a three quarter lawn has elevated the club according to the chairman. 

Doreen Exton, chairwoman of Moreton Croquet Club said: "We started of with just two of us playing croquet on the cricket field when it wasn't raining on a Wednesday and now we have two full lawns, a clubhouse and 60 members. 

"After a lot of fundraising and a lot of planning we opening the clubhouse on Saturday (October 26). 

"We are an amazing club and we help a lot of people get through bad times. 

"I lost my daughter and this project has kept me sane. 

"A lot of our members pop down for a game, meet people and head home although we do have two teams in the South West Federation Croquet League.

"We used to have gazebos and now if it rains we can sit and have a cup of tea, water and use the toilets. 

"We also want to invite schools and people with disabilities."

Since 2021 the club has already hosted beavers, brownies, a 90th birthday party and even a hen party. 

She continued: "It's an amazing club. 

"When we first opened people just kept coming from everywhere, not just Moreton but Bourton and Longborough as well. 

"I think we all just play for the fun of it. 

"We are looking for new members and the first few sessions are free. 

"People tend to make their minds up pretty quickly and they get hooked, it's a fun game but it can be serious and is quite tactical."