A TENNIS club is hoping to go from strength to strength now its new facilities are complete.

Sedgefield Tennis Club opened in 1994, using courts at the former Winterton Hospital, but there were no changing rooms, toilets or other facilities.

After a spell playing at Wolviston, the club joined forces with Sedgefield Community College to transform its facilities, which had consisted of only four courts in a state of disrepair.

A £250,000 National Lottery grant was used to develop the courts, and build a floodlit five-a-side pitch. That was completed in 2001 and work began on creating a clubhouse extension to the school, which has specialist sports college status.

With the clubhouse the club now feels it finally has a home.

"For the first time in almost ten years we have a place to live; that is the best way to put it," said club chairman Ian Taylor said.

"It is a massive plus because now we have a place where we can put on food for visiting teams and put on functions."

The tennis club has also been successful on the court. There are three men's and one women's team and this year, Sedgefield's first team was successful in gaining promotion to division one of the Cleveland League for the first time.

Mr Taylor said the club is hoping to recruit members, especially junior players. For details call him on (01740) 623687.