Eton Fives competitions can now be held in Newbury

Secondary school is granted permission for new courts

ST Bartholomew's School in Newbury will now be able to play a version of handball competitively after permission was granted for new courts.

The secondary school submitted a planning application to West Berkshire Council in August for the construction of three new Eton Fives courts.

The game, similar to Rugby Fives, originated at Eton College and is played as doubles in a three-sided court. The object of the game is to force the other team to fail to hit the ball off the front wall.

St Bart's had two Eton Fives courts at its old site at Wormestall but have none at its new site in Andover Road.

The courts will enable the school's pupils to play competitively against other participating schools.

The application received no objections from Newbury Town Council and has now been approved by planning officers at West Berkshire Council.