WALL Heath Tennis Club is set to celebrate its golden anniversary this month in honour of the club’s founding member, who recently passed away.

A special event will be held at the club, based off Enville Road, Wall Heath, on Monday May 2 to mark its 50th year.

GB Davis Cup players Danny Sapsford and Luke Milligan will be on hand throughout the day to provide free coaching as part of the anniversary celebrations.

There will be sessions for families, juniors and adult beginners plus a cardio session and exhibition match at 2pm.

Wall Heath Tennis Club was re-established as a grassroots sporting venue in 1972 thanks to Doug Hyde and a small committee of members including Doug’s wife Val.

Doug passed away in March at Edmore House having suffered with Alzheimers.

His son Adrian, head coach at the club, said: “Dad believed in tennis for everyone in the community and he was very proud in his latter years that the club was delivering just that.

"He would be delighted that the club was not only hosting GB Davis Cup players but providing tennis sessions for free.”

Doug's children Maria and Adrian are the only two original members still playing at the club.

His widow Val, who lives just 50 yards from the club, still enjoys hearing the squeals of delight from children on a Saturday morning and the echoes of ball on racket while sitting in her garden during the summer.

For more information about playing at the club go to https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/WallHeathTennisClub

The club will hold a raffle during the day of celebrations and money raised will go to charities and to Edmore House where Doug was cared for.

Anyone wishing to try sessions between 10am and 2pm can email Adrian Hyde at adrianhyde1@virginmedia.com.