SKIPTON tennis centre has scored an ace in being crowned the Lawn Tennis Association club of the year in Yorkshire.

It beat off top outfits like Ilkley to win the award which was presented by Lawn Tennis Association President, Martin Currie, who in the summer handed Roger Federer the Wimbledon trophy. The centre is now in the running to win the national award.

The regional competition judges looked at the centre's contribution to the community, its coaching programme, communication with users and creative ideas to grow the sport.

"It was a tremendous achievement and all down to the support of the members, our sponsors and the scores of Craven junior school pupils who came for coaching - it couldn't have happened without them," said Adam Cox, whose enthusiasm sparked new life onto the club ten years ago.

"We would especially like to thank the schools of Craven - parents and teachers - who have been very supportive of our outreach work and played an big part in developing tennis in the area. We look forward to working with them again in 2018."

The centre's development has spiralled over recent years with the investment of about £35,000 from various sources helping to establish floodlighting and the restoration of the playing courts.

Major sponsors included Walker Foster Solicitors, Keelham Farm Shop, Prosperity Financial Planning, Mainstream Flow Measurements and RKB Electrical.

The centre also received money from the locality budget of North Yorkshire County Council which helped resurface the courts.

People interested in getting involved can try social tennis on Tuesday and Thursday evenings or Sunday mornings. New players are welcome. Various winter practice session are already in the process of being organised.