A SALISBURY tennis club has been named as the best in the country.

Riverside Tennis Club, on Coldharbour Lane, has won Wiltshire’s Club Of the Year at the LTA Tennis Awards.

During 2020 the club completed its facilities’ project and now boasts three "extremely popular" artificial grass courts as well as five hard courts.

The year also saw the club introducing “Pay and Play” and monthly membership options to encourage more people to play tennis during a difficult time.

The club revamped their website, social media and adapted all their tennis activities to become Covid secure, including more organised club play and offering more group lessons with a maximum number of six players.

The club is currently closed in accordance with the government’s lockdown restrictions.

Club co-ordinator, Carolyn Barry, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this award. The club now offers fantastic facilities and we are proud of the tennis programme we are offering when permitted to play!

"Anyone interested in finding out more should visit our website at riverside-ltc.org”.

Another committee member said: “Brilliant that Riverside has been recognised by the county and on the regional shortlist for the South West.

"This award reflects all the hard work and significant improvements the club has made over the last year. Roll on summer 2021.”

Salisbury Journal: Riverside Tennis ClubRiverside Tennis Club

Mark Tyrrell of Marshfield Tennis Club has been named the Volunteer of the Year for Wiltshire.

The LTA said: “Throughout the many challenges of 2020 Mark has shown a great dedication to ensuring that the club continue to thrives”.

Other winners include Craig Loxton from Swindon Tennis Centre, who was awarded the Coach of the Year: “Craig has shown fantastic teamwork and leadership skills to help the venue grow their programme substantially”.

Liz Bissett, Wiltshire Tennis Secretary and LTA Councillor, said: “The standard of the entries was really high and we’d like to congratulate all of the winners. “The judges had a tough job to select winners due to the overwhelming contribution made at tennis venues across the county. It is heartening to award those who put so much effort behind offering great opportunities for all in Wiltshire.”

The winners will receive their county awards at their venue once restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so.

The winners now go through to a regional judging panel with regional winners announced in April.

The national ceremony will be held later in the year. To find out more about the LTA Tennis Awards, go to lta.org.uk/awards.

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