A BLACK Country bridge club is offering to teach people with no previous knowledge of the game how to play the popular pastime.

People from across the region are being invited to Kingswinford Bridge Club, based at St Andrews Church in Wall Heath, to learn the game which has been played weekly at the club for the past 30 years.

The club was first formed at the Kidderminster Road-based church when an experiences player gave lessons to novices, and since then it has thrived.

However, player numbers have dwindled recently, so current chairman of the club, Elspeth Burns, herself an English Bridge Union (EBU) Master player, has decided to put on lessons in order to revive the club's fortunes.

Elspeth is running a free induction session at 7.30pm on Tuesday September 6 where people can decide whether bridge is the game for them.

She said: “Bridge has a reputation of being a complicated game, but by learning and following a few simple rules, nearly everyone will be able to play at a reasonable level within a relatively short time.

“The problem a lot of beginners have is that they are given different bits of information from various sources and become confused. My methods will ensure that everyone has the same knowledge.

“We will provide experienced players who are willing to partner or help existing partners to get used to playing bridge in a club environment.

“In short, we hope to offer a complete package at very low cost and in so doing, re-establish a thriving bridge club.”

Following the induction, the club will charge £10 to cover the cost of the first five lessons.

Anyone interested in learning bridge should call Elspeth on 07802 473453 or 01384 375672, to book a place.