A medieval game that is almost exclusively played in the South East has been recognised as a sport.
The Sports Council agreed that Stoolball, which is played by up to 4,000 people in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire, met its criteria.
A round willow bat and wickets made of wooden boards on stakes are used to play the game which has links to the development of cricket.
The National Stoolball Association hopes its profile will now be raised.