THE Lawn Tennis Association president has visited a village club.

David Rawlinson was in Riding Mill to hear of the tennis club's progress from officials and players.

He was briefed on future projects for improving the club's facilities, including plans to install a lighting system at its two courts off Millfield Road.

Mr Rawlinson said tennis was increasingly an all-year-round sport and the lighting proposals would enable the Riding Mill club to continue playing and coaching during early evenings throughout late autumn and winter for adults and junior members after school.

The club also plans to expand both its adult and junior membership, making it easily accessible and affordable.

Riding Mill chairman Steve Gleadhill said it was a privilege to welcome the LTA president to the village. He was accompanied by Northumberland LTA chairman Chris Lott and county safeguarding officer Sue Oswald.

“They recognised all the efforts being made at the club to improve facilities and to widen opportunities for people in the local community to play tennis", he said.

“We pride ourselves on being a very friendly club, giving a warm welcome to anyone who wants to come and play.”

As well as hosting social tennis sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday mornings, the club also organises coaching for both adults and children.

The club currently has several teams competing in local leagues, and the ladies’ and mixed veterans’ teams have just celebrated promotion in the Northumberland and Durham league.