It sounds like the quintessential English scene. A game of croquet on a glorious summer's day followed by afternoon tea and cakes – but some competitors "play dirty".

Yet despite this, and the high winds on Exmoor, a club founded by octogenarians is proving a hit with the whole community.

Local vicar, Rev David Weir, is among the converts, although he admits there are some "ungenerous moves that will really see off your opponent".

"Some of the gentlest, sweetest-looking, people are remarkably good at it," he adds.

Despite their apparent quest for success, all the members of the new Exmoor Croquet Club, who play on the sloping cricket field at Exford, say they play "for the fun".

To be out in the sunshine on a blustery Tuesday afternoon, watching all four pitches busy with action during the second round of a knockout tournament, is to experience the best of rural life. But there is no disguising the passion on display.

Retired farmers Jane Hudson, 81, and husband Peter, 87, founded the club with others including Jackie Edwards, 81, and husband John, 83.

Mr Edwards mows the pitch, and various members take it in turns to provide a hearty tea, which on Tuesday included scones, fruitcake and chocolate brownies.

It is laid out in the comfortable youth club pavilion which overlooks the pitch close to the village church.

The club began with borrowed mallets and balls but a grant from the Somerset Community Foundation has allowed members to buy croquet sets, and they have bought a junior set to encourage young people to play.

The game they play is garden croquet, which is also played at international level.

Mrs Hudson says: "It is great fun and we have three or four games going on, whatever the weather.

"Although primarily for the elderly to keep them both mentally and physically fit, the club is ethically friendly with some members taking their zimmers around with them and a cross-section of ages participating, from children to young adults of different backgrounds.

Newcomers are, however, warned to watch out for the tactics of some of the more competitive pensioners, including Joan Bidie.

"I played a nasty game, but they won't let me do it any more," she says. "It was the way I played as a child but they don't play those rules here."

Rev Weir says: "I take the opportunity of visiting parishioners in this glorious setting. It brings people together and has been very good for the community."