Scientists at a research centre in Bingley were taking up their historic seats at Wimbledon – not as observers but as advisors.

Green-fingered experts at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), based at the St Ives estate, have been lending a hand at the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament since 1951.

Dr Andrew Newell, STRI’s head of turf grass biology, and his team were finding themselves on centre court once again this year, not as seeded players but to help head groundsman Eddie Seward and his staff ensure the grass is perfect for play.

An STRI spokesman said: “They monitor the playing surfaces of the courts, recording signs of wear and tear and other problems that may occur.”

And they are giving extra assistance this year to ensure the grass will stay green when a retractable roof is built over the famous centre court.

The team is helping to predict the likely affects on the grass as a result of the 5,200sq metre translucent retractable roof, set to be installed for next year’s tournament.

Visitors to this year’s event will be able to see two of the eight movable beams which span the court.

Work will start on installing the remaining six after the championships.

The fabric material will then be attached, resulting in a water-tight court roof.

The team has developed techniques and equipment to predict light levels and advise on maintaining the all-important grass courts.

This technology has also been used to help other sports venues from Wembley, Twickenham and Ascot in this country to the Telstra Dome in Melbourne, Australia.

Dr Newell said: “Not only will play no longer be interrupted by poor weather during the championships, but growing conditions will be improved at all times of the year.”