WIMBLEDON fever has been inspiring people across the Forest and Wye Valley to hit their local courts and get in some practice.

Despite difficulties with flooding in recent summers, Lydney Tennis Club has been running a whole host of events to encourage people to come along.

A spokesman for the club said: "There is a lot going on at the moment and membership has improved a lot.

"We held a junior tournament recently and there were 11 unders 12s and 12 under 16s competing."

Bethany Wilson won the under 12s event and her sister Jenny won the under 16s competition.

Tennis started at the club in 1952 when a double decker bus was used as the club house. Since that time things have come a long way with four Tarmac, floodlit, all weather courts as well as catering, shower and changing facilities.

The friendly club says it can cater for all ages and abilities.

Club nights are held on Monday and Thursday evenings when mixed doubles games are organised.

Pay and play sessions are held on Saturday mornings from 10am to noon.

For more information about the club and session times visit http://www.lydneytennisclub.net">www.lydneytennisclub.net