Sandwich Lawn Tennis Club opened its brand new doors to the public on Monday in a bid to recruit more members.

After 102 years of waiting, the club in Sandown Road finally has a new clubhouse.

The eco-friendly building was designed by club member Lloyd Daniels, constructed by local craftsmen and funded through special events, generous donations from members as well as grants from the Kent County Council Sports Development Unit and the Lawn Tennis Association.

To mark its opening, the club hosted an afternoon of free tennis on Bank Holiday Monday.

Club chairman Stuart Bennett said: “I don’t think it could have gone any better.

“Of the course, the weather was perfect. We had a fantastic turnout from members and the public keen to try out their game. “We had two coaches here all day who ran coaching for juniors and adults, who all had a great time.

“The clubhouse was full of guests enjoying the barbecue spilling out onto our patio and lawn full of chairs.

“We received many inquiries on new membership, and the level of interest in junior coaching from that day alone has ensured this is top priority to now get this established for our community.”

Sandwich Lawn Tennis Club is a friendly club with players of all abilities and ages offering a range of social and competitive tennis, coaching and social events. It has three all-weather courts available for use by members all year.

New members are warmly welcomed, with membership ranging from £25 for students and juniors to £205 for a full year of family membership. Information can be found at sandwichtennis.net