TENNIS players took centre court on Saturday as Denbigh Tennis Club held an open day to encourage involvement in the sport.

More than 50 people of all ages attended the event, with older people and youngsters who had faces painted by Happy Star Faces.

The club is looking to increase participation in a sport that has seen an overall decrease in popularity in the last decade despite the success of Andy Murray and Johanna Konta, though there has been an increase since 2015.

There will be coaching sessions for adults every Monday evening, from 7pm-8pm, and club meetings on Friday from 7pm-9pm where people will have the opportunity to play under the club’s new floodlights.

The club also took the opportunity to officially launch its junior program on offer to local youngsters. There will be junior coaching sessions every Saturday morning, with secondary school ages training from 10am-11am, and primary school ages from 11am-12pm. The sessions will be run by Jonathan Jones, head coach of Denbigh Tennis Club, alongside young leaders and assistant coaches.

Mr Jones said: "This is a great event to have as it allows people to come and join in and see what the Denbigh Tennis Club has to offer to the public. It is an opportunity to get a taste of the sport as well as show everyone that they are welcome to join in."

Alison Godwin, club chairman, said: "The open day is an event open to everyone to show off what Denbigh Tennis club is all about. We want more people to join the club and build a stronger tennis community. In Denbigh, everyone is welcomed to join and give tennis a go."

The club’s Wednesday league matches are poised to begin this week, as Denbigh Ladies welcome Craig-y-Don. The men’s team has two more weeks to prepare before their league trail begins with an away tie against Prestatyn Tennis Club on May 1.