New £50,000 tennis courts have officially been opened.

Gravesham mayor Cllr John Caller cut the ribbon in the blistering heat on Tuesday to show off the newly re-surfaced plots.

They are located at Gravesham Tennis Club, within the grounds of Gravesend Rugby Club in Donald Biggs Drive.

Six of the club's eight courts have flood lighting and additional lines for junior and mini tennis so younger players can play.

Cllr Caller praised the club's facilities, saying: "I'd like to wish Gravesham Tennis Club all the best for the future. The facilities here, now, are second to none.

"They're the best in the borough we've ever had. I hope that you go from strength to strength and hundreds, if not thousands, of people join your club and take up this really healthy sport."

Club chairman Damian Pender added: "We'd like to thank the mayor for officially opening our three top courts which have a splendid new playing surface.

"Our members will benefit from the increased capacity with our busy programme of social and competitive tennis.

"We can now also make more court time available for 'pay and play' where non-members can hire a court - all of this can be enjoyed with social distancing observed."

After the official opening of the courts, the mayor exchanged shots with his colleague Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox, who is the council's cabinet member responsible for sport.

For more information about Gravesham Tennis Club, visit www.graveshamtennis.com.

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