Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, visited a tennis club in his constituency to present the LTA Community and Parks Award to Cheslyn Hay Tennis.

Gavin met with LTA President, Dave Rawlinson, and LTA Head of Education, Tom Gibbins to discuss the state of Tennis in South Staffordshire and how lockdown has saw a rise in participation in the sport.

Adults and children of all ages participate at the club, with Chris Perrin the Head of Cheslyn Hay Tennis Club overseeing the training and organisation. The club was first founded in 2012, before running regular sessions a year later and the growth of the club now sees over 200 people play tennis here on a weekly basis.

Congratulating the club, Gavin said: “It was great to be invited down to present Cheslyn Hay Tennis club with this great award. I wish the sport in Cheslyn Hay and across South Staffordshire continued success”.

Speaking to the LTA, Chris Perrin said: “We are extremely proud and honoured to be awarded the LTA Tennis national award with so many other amazing tennis venues. From small beginnings in 2012 when the group started, we have got lots of rackets in new hands through affordable, accessible and inclusive tennis for all. We hope this is only the start, there is much more we can do to develop tennis in South Staffordshire and Cannock Chase”.