A FREE taster session led by the North Wales Roller Derby league took place in Deeside on the weekend despite the region being battered by bad weather.

The two hour session at Deeside Leisure Centre went ahead on Sunday (February 9) despite initial talks about cancelling the event due to the effects of Storm Ciara.

Five new people turned up to the event, joining existing North Wales Roller Derby team members and instructors, where they learnt a host of new skating related skills.

Instructors helped the newcomers learn how to balance on their skates, skate around the track, stop safely, and how to fall safely.

Chris Spann, New Skater Intake co-ordinator said: "Despite the weather conditions we were impressed by the new skaters who attended.

“Many hadn't even strapped on a pair of skates before, but by the end of the two hours they had all found their feet."

Heather Lucas, New Skater Intake assistant co-ordinator added: "Although this is the last formal taster session this quarter, interested people are welcome to drop in on our regular Sunday sessions at Deeside Leisure Centre between 6-8pm.

“We also have a loan service available for all kit needed."

Roller derby is a contact sport played by two rotating teams of five members roller skating counter-clockwise around a track.

Games consist of a series of short match-ups, called ‘jams’, in which both teams designate a jammer – the player who wears a star on their helmet.

The jammer scores points by lapping members of the opposing team while players attempt to hinder the opposing jammer and at the same time assisting their own.

The sport is played by about 1,250 amateur leagues around the world, while the North Wales Roller Derby is one of those such leagues based in Flintshire.

Anyone interested in pursuing the sport can drop into any of the regular Sunday sessions which take place between 6 and 8pm at Deeside Leisure Centre.