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Kids make racket with recycled tennis balls*

28/06/2010

Youngsters across Manchester have benefited after hundreds of recycled tennis balls were donated to a charity.

Manchester City Council's Tennis Centre in Sportcity has donated more than 400 balls to the Gorton-based Grumpy charity, which provides schools and children's groups with craft and educational materials.

The balls are no longer suitable to be used in adult matches or coaching at the centre as they have lost their elasticity, meaning they don't bounce properly.

However, the Grumpy charity, based on Endcott Close, has been able to provide them to youngsters across Manchester either for use in games or as art materials - and they have been used by one group to create a series of puppets.

Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for the Environment, said: "This is an excellent example of how, with a bit of creativity, most items can be reused or recycled.

"Charities like Grumpy do an excellent job of reusing materials and I would urge any Manchester businesses with access to reusable materials which they no longer need to get in touch with them."

Ruth Northall from Grumpy said: "A lot of people may think old tennis balls are only fit for the bin, but with a bit of creativity they can be used as excellent craft and play materials."

The charity is calling on all Manchester businesses to supply reusable materials and can usually collect for free. Contact Frank Royle on 0161 223 9730.

*Sourced from www.manchester.gov.uk/archive