A TENNIS club, which did not exist ten years ago, has won a national award at Wimbledon.

Skipton Tennis Club won Club of the Year at the Lawn Tennis Association’s British Tennis Awards, held at the All England Club.

Thanks to the effort and the commitment of the local community, the club now has a thriving membership of over 250 players, alongside a weekly coaching programme for 300 children.

Local tennis coach Adam Cox sold his house to help fund improvements to the club and enable it to deliver a range of community programmes including weekly sessions for local primary schools, disability coaching and and subsidised tennis activities for local people.

Cox was presented with the club award at a lunch attended by HRH Duchess of Gloucester, tennis legends Jo Durie and Mark Cox and hosted by broadcaster and former British No. 1 Andrew Castle.

Now in its third year, the awards celebrate the outstanding achievements made by tennis volunteers, coaches, clubs and community programmes across the country.

This year saw a record number of public nominations with 1,460 in total for the awards, covering 10 different categories including two volunteer of the year awards, coach of the year, and club of the year. Nominations were drawn from 25,000 volunteers, 4,400 coaches, 940 officials, 20,000 schools, 2,800 clubs and over 9,700 LTA approved tournaments from across the country, demonstrating the true calibre of these finalists and winners.

Cox said: “To be awarded Club of the Year is absolutely amazing. The club has such a friendly, community feel. The support we’ve received from local schools, members, players, coaches and those who regularly give their time to volunteer is phenomenal.

“The club would not be a success without the incredible team working alongside me. This is the most special moment I’ve experienced in my tennis career and they’re all going to be absolutely thrilled when I go back with the award!” “

Scott Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Lawn Tennis Association said:

“I want to congratulate Adam and Skipton Tennis Club along with all of our winners and nominees for this year’s British Tennis Awards.

"We had a record number of nominations and their stories reflect the huge passion for the game and highlight how tennis touches the lives of people in a range of different ways, whether through disability programmes, education initiatives or the fantastic work that clubs do in their local communities.”

“Our sport wouldn’t be what it is today without the support it receives at grassroots level. These winners and nominees along with the thousands of others up and down the country who give up their time to support our sport are the real heroes of British tennis.”

Leon Smith, OBE and GB Davis Cup Captain, who also attended the event added: “The British Tennis Awards are a real celebration of the people that work at all levels of our sport, including our inspirational coaches who are vital in growing the game and supporting those who play tennis across the country.

"Whether it’s helping someone pick up a racket for the first time or progressing through to being an elite player, coaches motivate each person and I genuinely believe their passion for the sport will encourage those of all ages and abilities to keep playing tennis for the rest of their lives.”