Leigh's top tennis club has launched a drive to attract new members.

There's an open day for adults, free coaching sessions and some junior tennis camps planned. Also, a new social membership fee of £50 has been introduced, and a family discount rate is now offered for the first time.

Club chairman Nick Peake said: "We're keen to attract new players into the club. We have great facilities here and we'd like to share them with more people.

"Many of our members enjoy team tennis, but we realise that people new to the sport may not be ready for that, and may just want to play social tennis and make new friends. That's why we've introduced a £50 social member fee, which we think is very good value."

The usual fee for an adult player is £100 for the season. For that, members have access to six floodlit, artificial grass tennis courts and a seventh tarmac court; and the chance to take part in league team tennis.

There is also a thriving junior section at the club, which is situated in Beech Walk, Pennington, and is part of Leigh Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club. Junior fees are £25, or £50 for youths, aged 18-21.

This year for the first time a special discount scheme has been introduced for families: if there are three or more playing members, including a junior, they will each be eligible for a 10% discount on membership.

Peake added: "We really do have a lot to offer. There's team tennis on weekday evenings throughout spring and summer, we have regular friendly tournaments and social tennis - for instance, Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons are open sessions. We also have several fully qualified coaches who are available to give lessons at reasonable rates.

"I'd say to anyone: if you fancy getting out on court and giving tennis a try, come to us."

The club is hoping for success in competition in the coming season: last year, Leigh teams came top in the Leigh League Divisions 1 & 2, and the Walkden 1st Division, They also enter 5 teams in the Bolton League, which is of a very high standard, and 5 teams in the Warrington League.

More information can be found on the website: tennis.leighcc.org or call the club on 01942 671818.