Skipton Building Society are the main sponsors for the forthcoming Ilkley Open Tennis Tournament which runs from July 23 to 30. This is the fifth year of Skipton's association with the tournament.

Andrew Gudgeon, Ilkley Branch Manager, said: "We are delighted to be sponsoring the tournament again this year. The tournament is without doubt one of the sporting highlights on the local calendar and we are pleased to be associated with the event."

Billy Kerr, Ilkley Tennis Cub's General Manager , said: "Skipton's support is invaluable in staging the tournament which will include a men's satellite event this year. The club would have difficulty in holding the event without the support of local businesses and Skipton Building Society's contribution is very significant."

The club has also been successful in recruiting a number of new co-sponsors and Quarmby Construction Co, Waitrose (Otley), Dacre Son & Hartley, The Yard, Farsyde Restaurant, Dobson & Robinson, Hawksworth Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, Moorfield School and Westville House School have all pledged their support.

The number of competitors has increased this year and there is a healthy entry in all categories. Play gets underway from Saturday July 23 with matches throughout the week. Finals day is on Saturday, July 30.

Due to the sponsorship there is no entry charge and members of the public are invited to go along and watch tennis of the highest level.

Ilkley will also host County Week from Monday, July 18, to Friday, July 22. This year the club will host Group Three ladies which includes Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Kent, Bucks, Herts, and Dorset.

On each day, the counties play a different team in the group. There are three pairs playing for each county and each pair plays all three opposing pairs throughout the course of the day. Play starts at 11am and usually runs through until 6pm.

The standard of play is usually excellent and seating is provided around the courts for anyone who would like to come along and watch. Non-members are very welcome.