And finally… padel for your life

Padel mania continues to gather pace in Yorkshire, and can add cricket star Joe Root to its growing list of supporters.

This week alone, an application for three padel courts has been received by Hull City Council; work is starting on a venue in Sheffield partly owned by the afore-mentioned sportsman; Bradford has approved plans for the city’s first dedicated centre; and North Yorkshire was not to be left out – Harrogate Sports and Fitness Club is set to greenlight two new padel courts.

The fast-paced Latin American game is almost a mixture of tennis and squash, and can be played indoors or outdoors.

The Lawn Tennis Association describes it as the “world’s fastest growing sport”, and its popularity has spilled over into the construction industry too – last September, HBD and LandAid held a charity tournament, which it will repeat this year.

According to the LTA, there are more than 500 padel courts in Great Britain.

Bradford’s new five-court facility is planned for Beckside Business Park, and will rival existing facilities in nearby Ilkley and Rawdon.

Hull’s new additions will add to ACtive+ on Harpings Road, replacing the centre’s five-a-side football pitch with heartless abandon.

Play Padel Sheffield, meanwhile will open at Abbeydale Tennis Club later this year and will comprise four courts and social space.

Co-founder Joe Root said: “Sheffield has always been my home, and I’m so excited to help bring a sport as dynamic and social as padel to the city.”