Somerset Derby Girls train in Taunton

For women who want to enjoy a bit of girl power Somerset Derby Girls are training every Tuesday night at The Castle Sports Centre. Flat course roller derby is a full contact sport for 18+  and some describe as "a game for misfits" for all those who were never picked for sport.

It doesn't matter how tall or short you are,petite or sturdy,tomboy or girlie girl .. this appeals across the board.

Drew Barrymore's film Whip It has led to a

revived interest in the sport which originated during the depression of the 1930s in

America.

The Somerset Derby Girls were only formed in February 2010 by coach Richard Anderson and their Tuesday training sessions start at 7pm and run until 9pm and 10pm on alternate weeks. They have members from Taunton, Yeovil and Glastonbury and are welcoming more. It doesn't matter how fit you are or if you have never been on roller skates,full training will be given by Richard and visiting expert 'Vigour Mortise' who is a member of London Roller Girls and has family in Taunton.

Training involves working on speed and  controlled stopping both upright and on the knees,also blocking and weaving. Every girl must take time trials working towards 25 laps in 5 minutes.

It is the adrenaline they love and Richard said although it is a low impact exercise they can burn 900 calories per hour . He said : I regularly hear 'I haven't been on skates since I was ten', it;s always ten for some reason. It is a full contact sport with rigid rules and there is not supposed to be any animosity.The idea is to learn technique so you are not hurt but everyone does have to sign a waiver and we recommend personal insurance. There are about 26 regular skaters at the moment,when we compete there are only ever five in a team on the track at one time ,but they are swapped around. We will not be playing for a while, not even exhibition games the first will probably be Halloween which will fit well into the genre of the game.

"It is very much about girl power,most of the league is completely girls operated,there is no conscious effort to exclude guys,but I am the exception really."

Many of the girls like the quirkiness,the helmets,wrist and knee pads combined with fishnets,Lycra,stripey socks,day-glow purple and black and ra- ra skirts.

One of the members said it was like having an alter ego, she loves high heels and dresses, works in a bank and after a three hour training session can't sleep for the adrenaline!

They all have different types of day jobs and different looks but knee pads and roller skates are great levellers! One member is this year's Miss Taunton, who likes a touch of the Gothic look but is looking forward to choosing the most girlie huge dress she can at Wow Dancer for the carnival ( they do a great line in fishnets and skirts too)

Their chosen charity is Ovarian Cancer Action and Cora Luscombe is taking part in a roller marathon at Goodwood next weekend to raise money for the team and for the charity.

If you want to give it a go and need some gear,how about Intersport Tony Pryce in East Street or JJB Sport in the Orchard Centre