A HEREFORDSHIRE Polo Club has been set up in the county.

It comes from the popular demand of young riders to try and put Herefordshire on the 'polo map'.

Its headquarters are at Hereford Riding Centre at Newhouse Farm, Grafton Lane where secretary Fiona Watkins said it was open to members of all ages.

She said that Herefordshire was a 'polo desert' and there was scope to introduce the sport in the county.

Fiona, and club chairman Fenella Gardener have been given advice and support from the Hurlingham Polo Association and Cirencester Park Polo Club in setting up the new venture.

People interested in playing will initially be taken to a polo club at Edgeworth in Gloucestershire for a 'taster'.

The club is equipped for beginners who will be given the chance to find out more about the sport and to give it a try.

If they are still interested further visits will be arranged and if the demand is sufficient a professional instructor will take over training at Hereford Riding School.

Fenella has already experienced playing polo while at university and is disappointed there are no facilities in Herefordshire.

Fiona said young riders at her centre in Grafton Lane were keen to experience the sport and there was no reason that it should not be developed in the county.

Lessons need not be any more expensive than ordinary quality riding instruction, or any other equestrian sport.

Eventually it was hoped the club will become affiliated to Hurlingham Polo Association, the sports governing body.

The first 'taster' introduction to polo evening at Edgeworth is planned for Wednesday July 5.

Anyone interested should phone 01432 370240 or 07989 689832.

Full details of the club are available by sending a sae to Herefordshire Polo Club c/o Hereford Riding Centre, Newhouse Farm, Grafton Lane, Hereford, HR2 8BL.