A GROUP of retirees who had not seen each other in months enjoyed a friendly game of petanque as lockdown restrictions eased.

The Maldon and District u3a group wasted no time as soon as restrictions on organised sport were lifted.

Group members Peter Condon and Mick Kennedy had turned out the previous day to rake the court at Maldon’s Promenade Park ready for the first game of the season.

Chairperson Shirley Macro said: “Ten excited group members turned out and split into two groups, and in sunny weather enjoyed a few games of petanque.

“They were pleased to see one another and managed a socially distance chat.

“Some interest groups within Maldon and District u3a have been able to meet using technology such as Zoom and this has been a lifeline in keeping the groups going.

“But there’s nothing like getting out and actually meeting together and this is what members of Maldon and District u3a are looking forward to doing.”