Sun shining, courts in pristine condition, top quality forehands on show — squint and you might have mistaken Gravesham Tennis Club for Centre Court at Wimbledon.

Dozens of youngsters were channelling their inner Roger Federer and Serena Williams in serving up some top quality tennis to celebrate the re-opening of the club courts, which had been closed to receive a fresh coat of paint.

Club chairman Damian Pender said: “We have five tarmac courts and we had them re-sprayed and the lines repainted.

“It was an investment of about £10,000 to £12,000 to prolong the life of the courts for another five to seven years. They look fantastic for the start of the tennis season.”

Among those keen to see the new-look courts at the centre in Donald Biggs Drive and meet the club’s talented youngsters was Alan Ridgers, Gravesham council’s cabinet member for sport and leisure.

Cllr Ridgers officially opened the courts ahead of what the chairman hopes will be a busy few months for the club.

“Tennis is one of the few sports that parents and children can play together,” said Mr Pender. “Like many clubs, we want to get more people playing tennis more often because it is fun and good value all year round.

“We have an open day on July 17, where people can come down and have a free go at tennis for an hour.”

The club has also been celebrating the achievements of two of its coaches. Michel and Angie Suleau have been selected by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to run a 10-week course inspired by Great Britain’s recent Davis Cup win. Dubbed the Davis Cup Legacy Project, it aims to get thousands of youngsters taking up the sport across the country thanks to free lessons and even the chance of a free racquet.

Mr Pender hopes the success of Andy Murray and the rest of the British team will inspire locals to take up the sport. “Every year there is a Great British Tennis Weekend, which is part of an LTA drive to get people playing tennis,” he said.

The LTA’s Great British Tennis Weekends for 2016 are May 14 and 15 and July 16 and 17. Find out more at graveshamtennis.com