Harpenden Sports Centre in Leyton Road has been ranked one of the top five centres taking part in the Lawn Tennis Association’s Great British Tennis Weekends, attracting almost 400 people to its event.

In recognition the centre will receive £300 worth of tennis vouchers from the LTA which can be used to buy an array of equipment, including new rackets and balls for children’s tennis lessons.

The tennis weekend took place over four weekends in the summer, across the length and breadth of the country and attracted more than 1,500 young tennis players.

Centre managher Alex Bedford said: "We were pleased to see such great attendance at this year’s Great British Tennis Weekends with almost 400 people attending from the area.

"Tennis isn’t only a great way to keep fit; it is also great fun and fosters a mentality of healthy competition and we’re looking forward to getting more people involved in the sport across St Albans."

Councillor Annie Brewster, Portfolio Holder for Sport, Leisure and Heritage for St Albans City and District Council, said: "The LTA's Great British Tennis Weekends are designed to promote tennis.

"Tennis parks and sports centres across the country hold free taster sessions at their courts for local people to have a go at the sport or to improve their game.

"I am pleased to say that Harpenden Sports Centre did particularly well this year attracting lots of local people to this fun event, giving them the opportunity to play tennis for free."