The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Tennis Foundation have announced that Tenby Tennis Club has been awarded 'Beacon' status as part of the AEGON Parks Tennis programme in recognition of its high quality, affordable community tennis programmes.

The announcement was made as the park site was presented with its prestigious 'Beacon' plaques by Tennis Wales chief executive Peter Drew last week.

The club joins 173 sites across the country to achieve the national accolade which recognises the best community-focused facilities offering free and affordable tennis as part of the AEGON Parks Tennis programme.

To achieve this status, facilities must also offer access to quality, affordable coaching as well as regular competitions for all ages and abilities.

Peter Drew said: "Congratulations to the Tenby Tennis Club and everyone involved in helping to develop the club into such a successful and valuable part of the community.

"Tenby Tennis Club has been successful in increasing the levels of tennis participation and competition for both juniors and adults and they have introduced tennis to a number of schools within the Tenby community.

"Tennis Wales looks forwards to helping the club to grow even further in the future."

Yan Morris, head coach at Tenby Tennis Club, said: "We were delighted that Peter Drew came down to present the beacon award to our small newly established club - it was a privilege to have him here.

"Having the award has raised awareness and the profile of the club and given us more credibility and the windbreaks look fantastic!

"Our thanks go out to Sport Pembrokeshire, Greenhill School and Tennis Wales, and with their continued support we look forward to expanding and improving the club in the future."

• AEGON Parks Tennis aims to increase community access to tennis in parks and communities nationwide. Delivered by the LTA and Tennis Foundation, AEGON Parks Tennis is a key programme in British tennis' drive to increase participation and grow tennis at all levels. The long-term aim is to have an AEGON Parks Tennis site acting as a centre of community tennis excellence in each of the local authority areas in Britain.

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