TENNIS has returned to public courts in Millom this summer – and a group of potential future Andy Murrays and Jo Kontas have been lapping it up.

The courts in Millom Park are back in action thanks to lifelong player Dave Billing, who helped raise the £45,000 funds to have them refurbished and reopened.

With the bright red surface of the courts glistening in the summer sunshine, youngsters have been quick to take the chance to try them out, heading down to the park to take part in free coaching sessions.

Lawn Tennis Association coach George Spry ran five days of coaching with the town's children, who previously had to travel to Broughton or further to play, with sponsorship provided by CGP.

He was happy to see public courts back in service in the town and for so many kids to take the chance to use them amid a summer where Murray has won both the Wimbledon title and Olympic gold.

“We had about 60 different kids who have come down over the week,” said Spry. “They loved it, just having this chance to play and learn.

“We had three different age groups, everything up to Year 3 at school – the youngest kid we had was actually three, and my daughter Amy looked after her, then Years 4 to 6 and then anyone from 11 up to 18.

“We covered all the basics and we just had some fun. It went from people who had never held a racquet before, to some people who are quite good. There were fun games and everything was about ball skills and having fun, which is what sport should be.”

The plan is for more coaching sessions to take place throughout the year in Millom, with Spry hoping a junior tennis section can be started in the town.