TENNIS clubs around Whitchurch were treated to a VIP visit from the top boss at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) last week.

David Rawlinson, the LTA's president, made two stop offs around the area, visiting Tilstock Bowling and Tennis Club and then heading to the Hollies in Chester Road.

Mr Rawlinson was at Tilstock to open a new court for the club's youngsters to use all-year-round and Simon Fullard, from the club, admitted he was delighted for him to perform the honours.

"We are very much a grass roots club, run solely by volunteers, who are passionate about the sports we offer," he said.

"That offer has now been extended with the building of this junior all-weather tennis court which incidentally can double as a badminton court on a windless day and no doubt will be used by our senior members to play some short tennis.

"The construction of this court would not have been possible without one or two key figures.

"First, Mitch Haynes, my vice chairman, who badgered me earlier in the year to look at something like this should the funds become available.

"Secondly, the Wrekin Housing Group which topped off the money needed with a grant from their funds and thirdly, a loan from Tennis Shropshire with Bob Kerr guiding me through the requirements.

"This junior court gives us opportunity and I look forward to many youngsters coming here to start in a sport that has come through the last 18 months of Covid probably stronger than before."

He also thanked Jonny Griffith from JHG Construction for working on the court.

Meanwhile, Wayne Gethings, group chief executive at The Wrekin Housing Group said: “We are delighted to be able to help Tilstock Bowling and Tennis Club upgrade their tennis playing facilities for young people in the area.

"We hope as many people as possible can get down to play a match soon.”

Mr Rawlinson then headed to The Hollies to find out how the club has coped throughout the pandemic.

Club spokesman Yvonne Shrimplin said: "David was greeted by Jon Gilbert, chairman; Mike Shrimplin, treasurer; and Sandra Logan, who is secretary, plus other members of the club and parents of junior members.

"He was interested in how the club had managed during the pandemic and how the membership had grown with people desperate to get outside and exercise especially as tennis is a sport parents can play with their children.

"All three courts were full of juniors having their coaching session with the coaches from i2ctennis, who also run holiday camps for the children.

"Hollies has two members playing for the county under-10 team – Maddie Crabb and Alfie Edwards.

"The visit concluded with the men’s first team playing a match in the Chester League."