TENNIS clubs across the county opened their doors earlier this month as part of the Big Tennis Weekend.

Clubs in Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury and Goodrich were amongst those that took part in the national initiative aimed at getting more people playing the sport.

Coaches were available on the day to give people of all ages an introduction to the sport.

"It was a really well attended day which helped us attract a lot of new members," said Janie Allman, tennis chairwoman at Hereford Squash Tennis and Racketball Centre.

"We had six new families join which equated to eight adults and 12 children. It was a great family day of activities and a great success thanks to our coaches Andrew Griffiths and Ross Eddy who led the sessions.

"The bar was also open and people had the chance to look around the club. We also had a display of our club merchandise and information leaflets available about the club.

"We did junior and adult sessions allowing people to roll up and try the sport with the racquets we had available.

"Some people played tennis with their children and we had a separate session for adults."

The day was part of a Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) initiative and the Hereford club offered new members a half-price offer on the day.

There will also be follow-up activities and sessions for the new members.

The Hereford club provides taster sessions for anybody who wants to have a look and a free taster session.

"People are welcome to look around and all levels of skill are welcome at the club," added Allman.

For more information contact Hereford Squash, Tennis & Racketball Centre on 01432 276389.