I've played dodgeball for two years - now I'm competing for Scotland

A sport probably best known for its place in PE lessons or the film which carries its name is taking centre stage in Aberdeen.

Teams from Scotland, Germany and Scandinavia are among those involved in the Northern European Dodgeball Championships which are being staged at the city's Sports Village.

One of those taking part in the fast and furious action is Aberdeen-based Jodie Wright, who joined the Scotland squad this year and said making her international debut was something she was really proud of.

"I've only been playing dodgeball for a couple of years, so getting the chance to represent my country at a home tournament is pretty special," she said.

Dodgeball is played by two teams of six facing each other on a court, and the aim is to eliminate your opponents by hitting them with a thrown ball.

If all of your team are eliminated or your team has the fewest players when time runs out you lose.

Its popularity is on the rise with The World Dodgeball Association campaigning for the International Olympic Committee to introduce the sport to the games.

The three-day event in Aberdeen, which began on Friday, features men's, women's and mixed categories of cloth dodgeball.

Wright said she was excited to see how Scotland would get on against their European rivals.

"I'm looking forward to getting out on court, enjoying the experience and seeing what we can do as a team," she said.

Dodgeball Scotland manager Anthony Aldred said hosting the Northern European Championships was a proud moment for all involved, and promised an exciting weekend of action.

"We're looking forward to showcasing the sport to local audiences, as well as viewers around the world through our livestream coverage," he said.

"Ultimately, we want to encourage more people to give dodgeball a shot."

As well as National Lottery grant funding and assistance from Aberdeen City Council, Scottish dodgeball clubs also helped contribute.

Glasgow's Kelvin Rapids, Edinburgh Dodgeball and Aberdeen's Granite City Guerrillas organised quiz nights, raising over £2,500.

While dodgeball is widely played in some countries, many people may only be familiar with it from the hit 2004 Hollywood comedy Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, starring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn.

However, the number of events is on the rise including the championships in Aberdeen which conclude on Sunday evening.

They are being viewed by some hopeful competitors as a warm-up for the world championships, which are being held in Thailand in December.