THE challenge is on to find Colchester’s best ping pong team.

Teams are being invited to play in a series of play-offs ahead of a grand final in September to raise money for St Helena Hospice in Highwoods, Colchester.

Organiser, and former top 50 UK table tennis player, Rik James, 48, is planning to make the competition a celebration of the game.

Mr James, of Colne Engaine, said: “I’m passionate about table tennis and wanted to start something that would bring people and businesses together through ping pong.

“The St Helena Hospice is a wonderful charity that relies on donations and that’s why we have organised this in partnership with them to raise as much money as we can.”

Mr James, who runs Zero Above, a sustainable design agency based in Alphamstone, near Halstead, and winner of last year’s Colchester Business Awards, is also a coach at the Rowhedge Table Tennis Club, in Rowhedge Village Hall, where the competition will be held.

The first rounds will take place on Sunday July 21 and Sunday August 25.

The top six teams from each round will play in the final on Sunday, September 22.

Teams can be made up of any number between two and ten. Entry fee per team is £50.

For more information call Mr James on 01787 267949, visit facebook.com/therandydaytonas or emil randydaytonas2013@gmail.com.