If you're looking to take up a new sport where social distancing is highly prized axe throwing could be where you make your mark.

The Panic Room in Gravesend has been serving up challenges and puzzles to gamers in Kent since 2016 and even expanded its offering online during the lockdown .

But now owners Alex and Monique Souter are looking to diversify into "competitive social events" with axe throwing set to become their next exciting venture.

"With the way Covid-19 has affected our business we have looked at ways we can diversify," Alex said.

"Axe throwing is something I have had my eye on for quite a while."

Known as "Battle Masters" it will be Kent's first (official) urban axe throwing venue when it gets off the blocks next month.

It promises stress relief for all the family with axes equipped for all shapes and sizes, a Covid-secure venue and of course, some brief lessons in health and safety.

Sessions will run for 75 minutes in total and participants will be invited along in groups of up to six to try their hand at the sport.

The first 15 minutes will consist of a training exercise to learn the basics of axe throwing before you get stuck into sinking axes into the wood.

There's no cutting corners on standards either as this event will be certified by the WATL – which stands for the World Axe Throwing League – for those not already up to speed with the American sport.

The idea for the venue came about after Alex and Monique discussed what to do with one of their panic rooms which sadly is no longer viable owing to the current rules on social distancing.

"I think life is all about trying new and exciting things," he said. "With axe throwing it is really accessible for everyone to have a go.

"Whether it is a kid or someone older. It is a very accessible and physical activity which is not exerting."

Alex added they were also keen to introduce an element of competitiveness –a common feature of their successful panic rooms – to the new axe throwing event with different games to be incorporated into each session.

Perhaps even more importantly it is a social activity, Alex says, adding "it is a little bit of escapism" which he believes people definitely need more of in these uncertain times.

The puzzling pair aim to launch their new activity on October 19, with a website available to take bookings from next week.

To find out more information on the Panic Room and to keep up to date with the axe throwing project visit www.battlemasters.co.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend