Tennis will be back on south Cumbrian outdoor courts from Monday following the relaxation of Covid restrictions for some sports.

Kendal Tennis Club is among the venues that will once again be welcoming players.

The club is launching into a busy new season with a revamped coaching programme for both junior and adult players, a spruced up clubhouse and newly-cleaned courts.

A new court booking system has been introduced, as well as the chance to play pickleball – a cross between tennis, table tennis and badminton which is played on a smaller court with slower ball speeds. It is popular in America and is great for both families and those who would prefer to run a little less on court.

Caz Graham, chair of the club, which has courts on Appleby Road, said: “We’re really excited about what our club has to offer this year.

“In the Easter holidays we have free tennis sessions for primary school children with Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) coaches to get them back outside and having fun after lockdown.

“And for our adult members, we’ve got coaching and social play to suit all abilities – from beginners to those who maybe played in their youth and want to pick it up again, right through to team and county players.

“We’d love to get more people playing tennis in Kendal; it’s a great way to get out in the fresh air, meet new people and have fun.

“And we’re so pleased to be able to give pickleball players in Kendal a place they can call home.

“Pickleballers will have their own club night on Wednesdays.

“We can’t wait to get back on court.”

The free Easter junior tennis sessions are on Saturday, April 3 and Saturday, April 10 in the afternoon with LTA coach James Wright.

Adult play starts from Monday. There are ‘get back to tennis’ sessions with LTA coach Jon Griffin on Tuesday, March 30 and Tuesday, April 6.

Joining the club is currently half price for new members. For details, visit the club website at https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/KendalLTC