A MAJOR senior hockey festival is taking place in Dawlish.

The Sandy Lane ground will play host to England Over 70s versus Wales Over 70s on October 21 and 22.

Andrew Goodridge, of England Hockey, said: ‘This is an historic occasion, the first international event to be held in Dawlish.’

The festival kicks off with a warm up on the pitch at noon.

Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Val Mawhood will perform the push back for the first match at 1.15pm which will see the England Allstars against the West Over 65s.

Then at 3pm, the Wales Over 70s play the England 2020 Over 70s.

The evening sees players and officials enjoy a dinner and reception.

On Friday October 22 there will be an early morning run along the beach before at 10.15am the Wales Over 70s versus the England Allstars.

Following that, it’s the England 2020 versus the West Over 65s and Friends at noon.

The tournament will conclude with dinner and presentations to Dawlish College and Derriford Hospital.

Match delegates will be Andrew Harvey and Peter Hodge.