Tennis is taking off in Wickham, Hampshire after a new club opened recently in the town.
Work began on the Wickham Community Tennis Club a few months ago after an injection of funding towards the facilities.
The club received a £60,500 grant from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), with support from Sport England, and a further £52,900 from the Parish Council.
As a result, two derelict courts in the Wickham Recreation Ground have been renovated into brand new floodlit courts.
Before the club had even opened its doors to the people of Wickham, 120 adults and 20 juniors had signed up, thanks largely to the announcement of new coach Mike Privett.
Club Chairman Adrian Baskerville said: “It has taken a lot of hard work to get the club to where we are today.
“We've been very fortunate to have had some outstanding stars on the committee including Nicki, Adrian and Mike, fantastic support from Simon and Zoe at the LTA, and an enlightened Parish Council.
“But everyone has made a valuable contribution, and this is the time to recognise that. We couldn't have hoped to be better placed for the future.”
To celebrate the opening, the club held a come-and-try day for the community with children and adults spending time on court. A Cardio Tennis session also took place prior to the ribbon cutting with people of all ages and abilities enjoying the action.
LTA Finance Director Nick Humby, who was on hand to help open the facility, said: “Wickham Community Tennis Club is a wonderful example of what can be achieved with the partnership of an enthusiastic and committed volunteer club committee, a supportive and engaged local authority and the encouragement and funding from the LTA.
“The new club has got off to an amazing start and this weekend's opening event was exciting to be part of.”
Zoe Bambridge, LTA Tennis Development Manager for Hampshire, added: “We can build facilities and promote programmes as much as we like, however, without the right people involved there will be no success.
“Wickham Community Tennis Club has many great people behind the project, making it a great success already. The enthusiasm on the day was fantastic and there are many exciting times ahead for the club.”
To find out more about Wickham Community Tennis Club visit http://www.wickhamtennisclub.hampshire.org.uk/
To find a playing partner, a local court or coach, register at www.allplaytennis.com