Tucked away in an underground car park on the Cambridge Road estate, the inconspicuous Surbiton Postal Rifle Club has stood for 27 years.

It may be well hidden, but on Sunday, April 25, groups from the community, including this newspaper, went to battle there in a shooting competition.

Kingston Territorial Army (TA), both signals and medics, took part with Kingston police, Kingston Council, Kingston scouts and Surbiton Postal Rifle Club, who had a distinct advantage.

The day was a light-hearted one, but you could sense the competitiveness and desire to win simmering underneath the laughter.

Councillor Chrissie Hitchcock said: “It was an experience. I did no training, but it was good, something different. I was useless, worse than I expected. I hope I do better in the election.”

For the record, reporters Louise Robertson, Omar Oakes, Martin George and David Lindsell beat Kingston police and Kingston Council in the round robin.

Club chairman John Menard said: “This is going to be an annual event now and I’d like to thank the mayor, Councillor Ian McDonald. It was his idea and it has brought a lot of fun to shooting.”

The club has three indoor ranges and has produced many international competitors since 1966, when it was founded.

Secretary Bill Baptie said people were outraged when they first heard plans to open a rifle club on the Cambridge Road estate - one of the most deprived areas in the borough.

But the club has prospered and training is available at all levels, from beginner to expert. Visit surbitonpostalrifleclub.com if you would like to try out the facilities or join.