DERBY fixtures over the Easter holiday can expect bumper crowds as the annual Ground Hop returns to the South West for the first time in four years.

The event attracts hundreds of "hoppers", whose hobby takes them to as many different grounds as possible. Many of them have seen football at more than 1,000 different venues.

On Good Friday they will begin at Illogan Park, where Penryn Athletic will be the visitors for an 11am kick off. The Hop then travels to Wendron for their 3pm derby with Porthleven, before finishing at Kellaway Parc where Helston host Falmouth at 7pm.

They hoppers are from all parts of the UK and also from Europe, particularly from Holland, Germany and Sweden. Around 300 are expected.

Although there are many Ground Hops staged throughout the year, the Easter event is the main one and started in the Northern League 22 years ago. It transferred to the old Devon and South Western Leagues for six years from 1997 to 2002 and has visited occasionally since, the last time being in 2011.

The host clubs will benefit from bumper crowds and most hoppers are also keen to buy programmes and badges as souvenirs.

The main base for accommodation and coach travel will be St Austell. In addition, Wendron have opened up their Underlane ground to campers (for details email Kevin138956@hotmail.co.uk).

Two full sized coaches will also ferry around hoppers who don’t wish to drive, departing and dropping off each day from St Austell railway station.

The event starts on Thursday, March 24, with a Premier local derby between St Austell and St Blazey (7.45pm), before the entourage heads west on Good Friday. Easter Saturday action is at Sticker, St Dennis and finally Bude.

Hoppers wishing to attend are asked to purchase an advance ticket which costs just £30 and includes admission to all seven matches as well as an information pack. In addition a coach ticket for the weekend costs just £33 with booking of that in advance being essential. A booking form from the South West Peninsula League website.