Hill and Valley Tennis Club's family fun day proved a huge success as families swarmed to their courts in Chedworth on Sunday as part of the LTA's Nature Valley Big Tennis Weekend.

Coaches Vince Freeman and James Morris ran a day of fun tennis and tennis-related sport supported by members of the club. Scores of families arrived for a day of free tennis - some of whom had never picked up a racquet before, and others rusty but keen to return to the game.

Vince and James ran a series of half hour Tennis for Kids sessions as well as 10 minute quick-fix clinics for older players looking for tips for their technique. On the other court, Andy Catchpole from Head UK had an array of racquets for players to try out, and Larry the Lobster ball machine certainly gave them a good workout.

Among the afternoon’s highlights were the family tennis championships, including an agility fun run, slam dunk and egg and tennis racquet race.

The day culminated with the frying pan doubles challenge in which players tried to beat James Morris and committee member Ricky Capp in a tie break event.

There was also a BBQ, hot drinks, cakes and ice cream and a horse box pizza wagon.

Committee member Rosemary Scott-Smith said: “Sunday went well beyond our expectations, everyone seemed to have a brilliant day and the enthusiasm for tennis among the younger ones was infectious."