TWO top-rank European players will be the stars of a special international exhibition night of table tennis in York on Monday.

Former European champion John Hilton, from Manchester, and Italian international Fabio Mantagazza will be appearing at Canon Lee School, Rawcliffe Drive, Clifton, starting at 7pm.

Their exhibition match will be followed by an England v Italy challenge match. York's top junior player, Richard Moss, of Poppleton, currently ranked in the top ten in England under-15 group, will also be challenging the pros.

After this there will be the opportunity for everyone to play table tennis from 8pm to 9pm, on eight tables provided by Canon Lee School. Bats and balls will be provided.

"The aim of the night is to raise people's awareness of table tennis within York and give people the opportunity to join a new adults session which will be starting on January 8 at Canon Lee School," said Mark Smith, the York-based regional development officer for the English Table Tennis Association.

That new session for adults will be held from 6pm to 8pm in January. There is already a thriving junior session at the school.

"The new session is available for anyone aged over 16 to go down and play recreational table tennis in a friendly environment," added Smith.

"The evening promises to be great fun for all who want to see table tennis played at the highest level and also to have a game on an informal basis.

"We are aiming to find people who used to play or are interested in playing table tennis and just want to play recreationally to keep fit or to socialise.

"Table tennis is a sport which can be played from eight to 80 years old and is available to anyone."

Updated: 11:49 Friday, December 14, 2001