Meet Beardy Cricket, a social club that swaps seriousness and pressure for enjoyment and fun.

Whether you have never played before or haven't picked up a bat since school, Beardy Cricket is here to prove that cricket doesn't have to be time-consuming and intense.

The idea is short, social evening games played with a soft ball, where nobody takes it too seriously.

Local organiser Tom Retter founded Beardy Cricket after trying to re-engage with the sport he loves.

"I'm not much of a cricketer really, even though I love the sport and watching it," Retter told Nub News.

Retter found traditional clubs to be too serious and time-consuming.

He said: "The idea came from thinking it would be good if there was something locally that was short, that would fit around life and other commitments.

"Something that's predominantly social, as opposed to serious, to meet other people."

The idea created Beardy Cricket, a relaxed and friendly take on the game that's accessible and very un-cricket-clubby.

"That was really important, that people weren't intimidated to come along and give it a go.

"The emphasis is more on having a bit of fun and socialising, rather than winning and high-performance," he said.

The short, social games are designed to fit around modern lives, with no full day matches or midweek training.

When deciding on the name of Beardy Cricket, Retter said that he wanted something that wasn't formal or boring.

"Cricket can be seen as a bit old-school, a bit exclusive, and a bit serious sometimes, so the name Beardy is poking a bit of fun at that really," he said.

"But I guess it's also a nod to the fact that you don't have to be the most sporty, aerodynamic person to take part in this. I've tried to make it clear that beards are optional."

Retter sees Beardy Cricket as a means of supporting mental health, particularly post-pandemic.

"Where people are working from home more than they were, I think it's a good opportunity for socialising and meeting people, in a less traditional way

"It could be good for peoples' mental health. Just spending an hour or so escaping what's going on in the world and everything else."

The first free pilot session takes place at Fairfield Recreation Ground on Thursday, 3 July at 6.30pm, people can book their place at beardycricket.com.