More than £150,000 will be invested to improve tennis facilities in a borough.

Swale council has teamed up with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to fund and refurbish two park courts parks in Sittingbourne in a bid to get more people playing the sport.

Courts at Milton Recreation Ground and King George V Playing Fields will be renovated to give players modern facilities and free, weekly sessions.

A total of £156,991.54 will be spent – £124,578.54 from the LTA and a further £32,413 from the council – to also create facilities such as new gate-access technology.

Work is expected to start this summer and be completed by early autumn this year.

Cllr Richard Palmer (SIA, Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch) believes the money will provide a great platform for residents to play the sport.

The chairman of Swale council’s Community Committee said: “The refurbishment of the courts offers a great opportunity for people of all ages to get out and have some healthy fun.

“The free, weekly sessions will give more people the chance to try the sport and meet new people without having to worry about the cost of equipment.

“This investment in local sports facilities is very much welcomed, and I’m looking forward to seeing the courts being enjoyed for years to come.”

The project is part of a nationwide investment by the government and the LTA to refurbish public tennis courts.

It means the courts in Sittingbourne will be two of a number brought back to life from an unplayable state.

Swale council says the improvements will also give those involved the opportunity to benefit physically and mentally.

Local Tennis Leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through competitions.

Chief operating officer at the LTA Julie Porter added: “We are delighted to be working with Swale council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active.

“This investment is part of the UK government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project and will mean courts will be available for people to use for years to come.

“We will also ensure the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court and open up our sport to many more people.”

All courts and sessions at all sites will be available to book online via the LTA website.