THE sun shone as a British sporting star served up an afternoon of top tennis to celebrate the opening of four new courts at Wollaston Tennis Club.

Grand slam player Marcus Willis, who played Roger Federer on Centre Court at Wimbledon in 2016, turned out to 'cut the ribbon' at the official launch event on Saturday (April 6) and treated members and their guests to an afternoon to remember.

Wollaston coach Fin Cook took on 28-year-old professional tennis star Willis in a one-set match and then teamed up with current Wollaston men’s singles club champion Adam Tranter, against Fin and 15-time Wollaston men’s singles champion Dave Edwards in a one-set doubles match.

More than 160 club members and guests watched the afternoon of top tennis on the new all-weather courts which boast state-of-the-art floodlighting; junior members also played their part in the celebratory family fun day as ball boys and girls in true Wimbledon regalia.

All adults and juniors also had chance to try and return a thunderous Marcus Willis serve at the event which also included a charity raffle, festival food, and Wimbledon ticket draw.

The courts were upgraded thanks to grant funding from Enovert Community Trust and Ibstock Enovert Trust and club chairman Alan Hughes said "We are very grateful to Enovert Community Trust and Ibstock Enovert Trust for this fantastic investment in the Wollaston and Stourbridge area. Saturday’s event to celebrate the official unveiling of the refurbished tennis courts was an unqualified success.

"The presence of Marcus Willis of Wimbledon 2016 fame was the catalyst for a tremendous event blessed with great weather, a large gathering of members, friends and guests as well as plenty of Pimms and other liquid refreshment.

"A really great time was had by all, leading Wollaston Tennis Club into a new era of promotional tennis participation."

To find out more about the club in Prestwood Drive, Stourton, go to www.wollastontennis.co.uk or email wltc@outlook.com.

Angela Haymonds, trust secretary at Enovert Community Trust, added: "Tennis offers fantastic opportunities to improve health and fitness, as well as the benefits of social interaction and friendship that are an integral part of belonging to a sports club. The trustees were delighted to contribute to this project, which has created an excellent facility that the whole community can enjoy."

The club, which already had four courts, offers tennis for all ages and abilities, all year round including winter evenings.

An open day for anyone interested in trying their hand at tennis, or checking out the new courts, will be held on Saturday July 6.