THE biggest project since the launch of Skipton Tennis Centre nine years ago has just been completed at a cost of more than £30,000.

Two new courts have been constructed, which were opened to the public on Monday, and the three others repainted. All have been decked in the Wimbledon colours of purple and green.

The new facilities have been transformed from the two courts that had been derelict and unused for years because of the state of the playing surfaces.

Adam Cox, who launched the centre and has spearheaded its development since 2007, said: "This is the most exciting time since we started.

"It means we can cater for many more players, whether club players or leisure players, and for more school children."

The centre already sees 300 youngsters from 20 schools using the courts and hundreds more get coaching during the summer holidays.

"Centre membership and attendance has ballooned since 2007, when there were six or seven regular players to the hundreds we have today," added Adam.

"This is a project for the community. This town is growing – we have more houses and the people moving in will be looking for facilities like this. We've already seeing it happening.

"Long term, I want to see an indoor court here. I know it's a big ambition but I'm confident it will happen and I hope we can be making plans within five years or so."

The centre has a thriving membership with 11 senior teams, plus mixed doubles players and juniors. But he is keen to see the growth in social tennis now there are five courts available.

Adam said: "I see us moving forward with more coaching and more teams in the leagues – broadly more opportunity to play. Tennis is growing and we couldn't be better poised to take advantage."

He is grateful for the support and sponsorship from Skipton-based solicitors Walker Foster and Prosperity Finance.