VISITORS from the age of three and upwards joined existing junior and adult members on court at an action-packed open day held by Seaton Tennis Club.

Those attending got to try their hand at fun mini tennis games, frantic cardio sessions, fast and not so fast serving speed competitions, and relaxed match play.

There was also a high-quality exhibition doubles match to be enjoyed involving Emma Hurst, Ben Elliott, Derek Blackmore and Max Holloway.

Off court, tennis club volunteers served bacon baps, pasties and cakes, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where young and old shared their tennis experiences, families joined in with the activities and friends were reunited.

Club chairman Andy Butcher praised the efforts of all the volunteers who run the club, especially thanking the social committee for organising the open day.

He showed slides illustrating the range of tennis activities undertaken at Seaton, highlighting the current coaching and team successes and touching on aspirations for the club’s future development.

Local MP Neil Parish spoke of his pride and excitement at the club’s success, especially the prospect of being able to claim Britain’s number two junior, Hurst, as one of his constituents.

Mayor of Seaton, councillor Gaynor Sedgwick, called the tennis club “the jewel in Seaton’s crown” and Devon LTA representative Andy Malcolm commended the club’s junior and adult coaching programmes, as well as its positive, vibrant atmosphere.

Elliott and his team of coaches are running junior holiday camps during the Easter school break, with one today (10am-1pm), next Tuesday (2pm-5pm) and Thursday (10am-2pm).

The sessions cost £15 each and are open to non-members. Contact Elliott on 07508363186 or email b.elliott.tennis@live.co.uk for further details.

For more information about Seaton Tennis Club, contact membership secretary Jeremy Warner on seatontennis@gmail.com, 07973506312, or visit seatontennis.net

Special guests at the open day were; Neil Parish (MP for Tiverton and Honiton), Gaynor Sedgwick (Mayor of Seaton), Steven Williams (local councillor), David Craner (Seaton town crier), Andy Malcolm (Devon LTA representative) and Max Holloway (racket sports equipment supplier Babolat).