WITH cult followings in America and Australia, the UK's fastest growing sport is now making its way to Cornwall.

Roller derby is a "high energy, athletic, fast, full contact sport" played on quad skates.

And in recent years, the sport has enjoyed somewhat of a surge in popularity in the county, thanks largely to the formation of Cornwall Roller Derby in May 2010.

In fact, since 'CRD' was introduced it boasts in excess of 23 members, with 12 more newcomers to the sport.

And it is hoped that number will swell further next week when Cornwall Roller Derby hosts a 'rookie intake' on Sunday in Newquay.

Players of all ages and abilities are welcome. CRD's members are aged between 18 and 50.

And next month, the first team to join the league, Atlantic Breakers, will be showcasing their skills in a highly anticipated fixture against Cardiff Roller Collective, on March 3.

The Atlantic Breakers are the longest established team in Cornwall Roller Derby, and the league's travel team, which sees them play fixtures across the UK.

A club statement explains: "Roller derby is distinctive from other mainstream sports and here at Cornwall Roller Derby we bring Cornish originality mixed with a high level of athleticism to our game.

Awesome

"Our activities are year round and CRD aim to participate in public appearances, charitable activities, and other promotional events to promote our team and to raise much needed funds which will support this awesome sport to continue in Cornwall.

"Recent examples include entering the Crantock Bale push, Cornwall's Alternative Calendar Girls, contributing to Aftersun, a whole afternoon and evening of live music and creative stalls selling merchandise. We are also signed up to Art8 and the Newquay Alternative Christmas fair.

"CRD is looking forward to welcoming Rookies to our sessions & introducing them to the addictive world of Roller Derby on February 27 in Newquay."

Roller derby is played on a flat, oval track. Each team is made up of four blockers and one jammer (points scorer).

The aim of the game is for each team to help their own jammer get through the pack as many times as possible while preventing the opposing team's jammer scoring.

A whole game is called a bout and lasts for an hour and is made up of two minute jams.

For more details on Cornwall Roller Derby email cornwall-roller-derby@hotmail.com or visit www.cornwallrollerderby.com