Grannies on the go!

Jack Gannon presents the team award to Denise Humble and Dorothy Sykes from Lynroyd retirement living scheme in Linthwaite.

More than 100 people attended Gomersal Cricket Club for the third annual Granny Olympics.

More than 50 pensioners from the council’s retirement living schemes lined up to battle it out for the top awards.

Competitions included welly wanging, skittles, basketball and the egg and spoon race.

Residents took part from Sykes Fold, Brooklyn and Church Grange in Cleckheaton, Denham Court in Batley, Belmont Grange in Liversedge, Kings Court in Birstall, Walker Street in Dewsbury and Lynroyd in Linthwaite, who were all out winners on the day.

The Mayor of Kirklees Coun Martyn Bolt joined proud grandchildren and members of Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, Kirklees Active Leisure, Kirklees Federation of Tenants’ and Residents’ Associations, community groups and representatives from local businesses to cheer competitors on.

The aim of the event was to encourage older people to stay active and to bring different age groups together to break down the sense of isolation that older people sometimes feel.

Coun Molly Walton, the Cabinet member responsible for health, wellbeing and communities, said: “These kinds of events are an excellent way of improving older people’s health and wellbeing and helping them live life to the full, which are key priorities for the council.”

The event, which included stalls, a tombola and raffle, raised over £700 for the older people’s mini bus fund.