SHE was one of the stars of the Olympic Games, and now Maddie Hinch is coming to Basingstoke to help celebrate a festival.

Maddie Hinch became an overnight household name after she helped Team GB win an historic gold medal in the women's hockey final, beating the Netherlands in a tense penalty shootout last Friday.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who played alongside Odiham's Alex Danson, saved all the penalties during the dramatic final in Rio.

She is now visiting Basingstoke on Thursday for Basingstoke Hockey Club's HockeyFest.

The club is one of hundreds across the country opening its doors this summer to new and current players, all with the aim to celebrate the social and friendly aspect of playing hockey.

Supported by Notts Sport, the festival is being held at Down Grange Sports Complex, in Pack Lane, from 6pm to 9pm, as part of a three week programme running until September 11 which will be jam-packed with fun and informal events for the community.

HockeyFest will highlight the best aspects of the sport, including an equal split between men and women playing and being inclusive to all ages and abilities.

Olympic gold medallist Maddie said: "I got into hockey by playing rounders at school - apparently I was very dramatic diving for the ball and the teacher suggested I should go in goal in hockey. I hadn't played it before then but once I had the pads on, I just learnt to love it."

She added: "I advise everyone to get involved with hockey as soon as possible. It's a great sport to watch, as a group we always talk about inspiring people to get involved with the sport and these events are perfect to get the nation playing."

HockeyFest is organised by Great Britain Hockey, the sport's official national governing body.

More than 250 clubs across the UK have signed up to take part.

Rich Beer, director of development at England Hockey, said: "After this summer's magnificent sporting success, many people are keen to try a new sport and want to have fun while staying fit and active. HockeyFest gives families the ideal opportunity to visit their local hockey club and see what it has to offer all ages and abilities.

"Over the last four years, we've seen a very encouraging uplift in grassroots participation and building on this success, we'll be getting the new season off to a flying start by welcoming even more people to the hockey community.

"Hailed by many clubs as a 'social festival' that brings together like-minded people, HockeyFest is a terrific way for new members, both old and young and from all different backgrounds, to get involved on their terms, be it playing, coaching or volunteering; there are so many opportunities on offer."