OLDER people and sports fans with health problems and disabilities will be given the chance to walk in the footsteps of Oxford United stars at a new event tomorrow.

The Walking Sports Festival is believed to be the first of its kind hosted in Britain and will see dozens of participants compete in three sports at The Oxford Academy in Littlemore.

Oxford United Community Trust has organised the event to give people unable to take part in rigorous physical activity the opportunity to get involved with sport.

Walking football, cricket and netball are a twist on the traditional versions of the sports in which players are not allowed to run.

Community trust operations director Caroline Robbins said the event was a chance to bring the trust's activities to a wider range of people than before.

She said: "The trust is known for doing things for young people but Oxfordshire has many people who are not kids and this is a really nice way of us saying we are here for everybody.

"It is just about having fun and having a bit of a laugh, it is a really nice, social thing to come and have a go at.

"Everybody is in the same boat because even if you are the most athletic person in the world the rules of walking sport mean you are in the same pace as somebody who has, for example, just had a knee operation or has a heart problem."

The walking cricket game will be the second ever played in England and enough players are already signed up for one team, with another eight needed to complete an opposing side.

Ms Robbins said: "In walking cricket you walk between the wickets but you only walk halfway and then turn back.

"You get runs depending on how far you hit the ball, it is a little bit more tactical because you really need to think about where you are placing the ball.

The football matches will kick-off at the school in Sandy Lane West at 10.30am and will last until 1pm, with netball taking place at the same time.

There will then be a break for tea before the cricket starts at 1.30pm.

Oxford United captain Jake Wright said: "I think it's a terrific initiative from the community trust.

"The more activities you can get people involved in the better, and this seems a great way to highlight that anyone, any age, can stay active and be involved in sport.""

People can turn up on the day or can sing up in advance by emailing crobbins@oufc.co.uk