A VILLAGE’S new tennis courts proved a smash hit with the Mayor of St Helens Andy Bowden on Sunday.

With racket in hand, he didn’t allow the mayoral chains stop him from displaying his backhand at Rainford Tennis Club, where the official unveiling drew more than 200 people.

The mayor was later on hand to cut the ribbon at the three new courts at the Jubilee Recreation Ground. Visitors were given the chance to play on the magnificent Church Road facilities in Rainford.

The event, which formed part of the Great British Tennis Week celebrations, also featured an exhibition match involving Sierra Leone international Samuel Jalloh, GB wheelchair tennis player Tony Knappett and up-andcoming junior Maisie Lavelle.

“We would like to thank everyone who came along today to try tennis for the first time,” said Rainford Tennis Club chairperson Helen Bligh.

“We would also like to thank Sport England, Cory Environmental Trust and the Lawn Tennis Association for funding our new courts and thank St Helens Council, Lancashire Tennis and TBS Sports for their support and guidance in helping us grow tennis in the area.”

Information can be found on rainfordtennisclub.co.uk.