DENBIGH Tennis Club is now back up and running after the latest announcement made by the First Minister of Wales allowed it to do so.

On Friday, Mark Drakeford lifted certain Covid-19 restrictions across Wales; allowing sports such as golf, basketball and tennis to resume - as long as they adhere to social distancing where possible.

As a result, Denbigh Tennis Club, which formed in 1947, re-opened for singles matches on Monday evening.

During lockdown, club members have been working hard in the background to identify a company to clean and repaint the courts in the colours of blue and dark green - this will take place in mid-April.

They also reduced our membership fees to £25 from the end of lockdown on March 13 and are looking forward to welcoming new members.

Denbigh Tennis Club have an online court booking system to act as their track and trace and there are two gates into the courts in opposite corners, which can act as a one way system.

Club secretary Steffan Jones has been playing tennis at the club since 2006 alongside his dad who has been part of the club since the 1970's.

Steffan, who was appointed secretary in 2018, said: "It feels great to be back on court now that the restrictions have eased a bit. We have missed the club so much since mid-December and share the frustrations the members had throughout as it's more than just turning up for a game of tennis.

"We enjoy three sessions each week and it is a naturally socially distanced sport. The club is a fantastic social hub, as well as being beneficial to our physical and mental wellbeing. We can't wait for the possibility of a North Wales Summer League, although it seems unlikely.

"The club brings an opportunity to those who live locally, not just in Denbigh but also local villages, St Asaph, Henllan and as far as Prestatyn. It is an opportunity to develop as a player, person and fitness, as well as representing the team against other clubs.

"There are club tournaments in September, which gives everyone the opportunity to become a real champion. It gives everyone the chance to make new friends and we are renowned as being the cheapest and friendliest tennis club across the whole of North Wales.

"The future is going to be great. The courts are due to be repainted in April and we hope to have a fantastic reopening later this year or when we can. The men's teams (2) are in the N.Wales Division 2 and aiming for promotion to Division 1. We also have two ladies teams in their Division 2. We will go from strength to strength with new members from the post-lockdown eagerness. The club has grown massively in recent years and hope to enter more teams in to the North Wales leagues."