Five tennis courts have reopened following a £120,000 cash injection to bring them back to life.

The community courts, including ones at Windmill Gardens, Woodlands Park and Wombwell Park, in Gravesend, have undergone extensive work to ensure they can be used for years to come.

Funded by Gravesham council and supported by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Foundation, the project has seen the venues resurfaced and repainted, and provided with new nets, booking systems and gate access technology.

Further work will be taking place at Woodlands Park, Wombwell Park and the third court at Windmill Gardens next year to give them a final colour spray.

LTA’s chief executive Scott Lloyd said: “We are delighted to see park tennis courts across Gravesham officially re-open to the public and in better shape than ever.

“Park tennis courts are vital for providing people with opportunities to pick up a racket, and we want as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, to enjoy playing tennis and being active.

“Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”

Cllr Deborah Croxton, Gravesham council’s cabinet member for community and leisure, said: “The refurbished courts look fantastic, and I hope they inspire tennis players old and new to get out and play.

“These improvements have only been possible through working in partnership with the LTA, and I thank them for their support in serving up such high-quality sports facilities.”

The refurbished courts will host local tennis leagues to help give people the opportunity to get involved in friendly competitions.

An annual tennis pass is also being introduced, alongside pay and play, and free court time to make sure the courts are maintained.

The scheme is part of the Parks Tennis Project where thousands of park tennis courts in poor or unplayable conditions across the country are being invested in by the LTA to bring them back to life.