TWO of Britain’s former Davis Cup players were welcomed to Wall Heath Tennis Club last weekend.

Over 100 juniors and adults received expert tuition from Danny Sapsford and Luke Milligan on Saturday, May 5 after the visit was organised by committee member Lorna Harris.

The duo, representing charity Bright Ideas, were also greeted by Dudley Mayor Dave Tyler. He expressed his delight at seeing the tennis club being enjoyed by so many. He also thanked them for helping the club in its efforts to raise money for the resurfacing of their courts.

Sapsford and Milligan, both with Wimbledon experience, provided their services for free and the club expect to have raised £2,000 from the day’s activities and sponsors. The club’s chairman, Paul Parry, also thanked Hickorys Smokehouse for providing refreshments and helpers for the day and Midcounties Co-operative and Helping Hands both for their kind donation of £250.

The club have also received much needed generosity from Dudley Community Trust, Cory Environmental and Ibstock Cory who provided funds for a brand new clubhouse and a wheelchair access pathway.

In an exciting finale to the day’s events, Sapsford teamed up with Ed Bull and Milligan with head coach Adrian Hyde to give an exhibition match.

The large crowd were treated to some high quality tennis and a good deal of fun from the Davis Cup stars. Milligan and Hyde prevailed in a tense encounter which finished with a sudden death point at 6-6 in the tie break.

The club are keen to encourage even greater participation and membership of the facility by holding an open day this Saturday (May 12) as part of the Lawn Tennis Association’s Great British Tennis Weekend.

Everyone is welcome to the courts in Enville Road, Wall Heath, between 10am and 1.15pm. To sign up for a session go to lta.org.uk/gbtw or just turn up and have a go for free. Rackets and refreshments will be provided free of charge and membership will be heavily discounted.

For further information about the club go to wallheathtennisclub.co.uk