A sport that is expected to become an Olympic event has been launched in Ferryhill.

New Age Kurling, an adaptation of the curling game that is played on ice, was brought to Ferryhill Leisure Centre, where a demonstration match took place.

The event was held to raise awareness of the sport, which has been modified so that it can be played indoors on any smooth surface.

Director of New Age Kurling, Craig Buttery, was at the launch and a group of top New Age Kurling players were given awards.

The players then took part in an invitation match against the Great Britain team.

From Sunday, a New Age Kurling Club will start at the centre and will run every week.

Ian Davey from Sedgefield Borough Council, who helped organise the event, said: "The club will become part of a network of clubs being set up in the North-East.

"In the future, these clubs will compete against each other, and eventually participants will be fed into regional academies."

The first session will is open to all ages and abilities. For more details, call (01740) 654121.