DESPITE Wimbledon fever reaching new heights this year, a tennis club is set to close because it has fallen into disarray due to a lack of interest.

Marske Tennis Club is going to have to close because of a lack of support and money to improve its courts and facilities.

Club chairman Brian Calvey said the courts are run down, with three-ft-high weeds growing out of one.

"Interest is going rapidly downhill. Last year we had three teams and this year we had two, but one had to drop out because of a lack of numbers so we have just one team," he said. "We are going to have to fold through a lack of interest and members."

Mr Calvey said he, the treasurer and the secretary would be stepping down from their roles.

The main losers will be the 20 children aged between seven and 13 who have training at the club.

Mr Calvey said if there was more interest among adults, the club could well be saved.

"It is a shame, bearing in mind how popular tennis is at the moment and the arguments for developing the sport from grassroots level," he said.

Anyone wanting to get involved with Marske Tennis Club can call Mr Calvey on (01642) 494660.