AN historic town sports club has gone back to the future - by changing its name to what it was 42 years ago.

Members of Sidmouth Cricket, Tennis, Croquet and Hockey Club modified its rules at a recent extraordinary general meeting (EGM) at the Fortfield.

They made the move after the hockey section voted to merge with Ottery’s club.

The EGM decided to retain close links with the Sidmouth and Ottery Hockey Club, which will continue to use the facilities at the Fortfield, but will be a non-voting associate rather than a full member.

The newly-renamed Sidmouth Cricket, Tennis and Croquet Club is the title the organisation held in 1971 - before the hockey section achieved full membership.

The cricket club, one of the oldest in the country was founded in 1823.

The tennis section joined in 1888 and the croquet section was set up in 1907.

After the World War Two, a hockey team rented Fortfield grass pitches for more than 20 years.

Neil Gamble, chairman of the Sidmouth Cricket, Tennis and Croquet Club, said the Sidmouth and Ottery Hockey Club would always be most welcome to use club facilities after matches and also to participate in social events.