A woman from Falmouth has been crowned national racketball champion in her age group.

Siobhan Garland, 53, claimed the honour at the over-45s National Racketball Championships in Nottingham on April 7-8.

She won all three of her matches in a round-robin competition, despite being one age category higher than all of her competitors.

“I’m quite pleased because three years ago I had shoulder surgery and I was out for a year recovering,” Siobhan said.

Siobhan, who works at A&P Falmouth, played squash at a young age but turned to racketball six years ago after suffering with hip problems from squash.

In racketball the ball is bigger and bouncier, while the racket is shorter and stumpier than a squash one, meaning less pressure is exerted.

After winning her first two games 3-1 and 3-2 on the Saturday, she turned up for her final game on the Sunday knowing a win would give her the title.

“I turned up and there was a lady wearing an England top and I thought, ‘oh my God’, and I was so nervous I couldn’t eat my breakfast!” she said.

Despite her nerves, she triumphed 3-0 to ensure that she returned to Falmouth a champion.

Siobhan also competed in the over-50s event, coming in third.