AS wheelchair basketball club the Bolton Bulls held its annual open day event in the town centre, reporter Liam Thorp decided to give the sport a go — and he had a ball.

The Bolton Bulls has been giving disabled people the chance to get involved in a competitive sport since its foundation in 1982.

Each year the club, which trains at Smithills sports centre, holds a “Bring on the Bulls” event, where it showcases what the club and the sport of wheelchair basketball is all about.

A court was set up in Victoria Square on Saturday and members of the public — including famously uncoordinated reporter Liam Thorp — were encouraged to get involved.

The event is held to raise awareness but also as a fundraiser for the Bulls, which is a registered charity.

Club secretary Steve Aston, aged 41, said: “The event was organised by the fundraising committee — it gives us a chance to show people what we do and also raise funds, because running a club like this is very expensive.

“It has gone really well — we have had lots of people coming down to try out the sport — we are always amazed by the number of people who have never heard of wheelchair basketball.”

The team members were on hand to teach Liam the basics of how to drive the wheelchair around the court while bouncing the ball and also the best techniques for shooting into the basket.

Steve, who was born with Spina Bifida, and has played for the club for 27 years said the sport has been hugely beneficial to him.

He said: “I started playing when I was 14 and I was looking for something that I could participate in.

“Playing gives us all physical fitness, helps us learn new skills and there is also a really good social side to the club.”

He added: “We are always looking for new members and if anyone is unsure about the sport I would urge them to come down and give it a go — they will be hooked.”

Team member Samantha Titterington, aged 25, from Blackburn must use a wheelchair breaking her spine in two places following a 40 ft fall five years ago.

She said: “This sport is everything to me, after the accident it gave me something to focus on that meant I could blank all the other stuff out.

“I am hoping to play for Great Britain one day and I think the guys at Bolton Bulls will help me to get there.”

Training sessions are every Thursday from 8.30-10pm at Smithills Sports Centre in Smithills Dean Road.

For more information visit boltonbulls.com