The Lawn Tennis Association has announced a £50,000 investment into Thames Ditton Lawn Tennis Club to help install floodlighting over three courts and build a new junior pavilion.

The three-month long project begins this month and will be completed in February next year.

The club has received the funding to help the club improve their player base through increased club membership and playing hours, and boost the number of juniors playing and competing at the club.

It is part of the LTA’s bigger drive to get more people playing the game.

"After 10 years’ effort, Thames Ditton finally managed to achieve planning permission for floodlights on three of the four all weather courts. This was followed a year later by the LTA bestowing on the club the Clubmark award,” said club chairman Andrew Meatyard.

“Having accomplished Clubmark, we then had to find help towards the costs of installation of the floodlights, which was no small enterprise due to the layout of the club and distance from the electricity supply.

“A pro-active committee and supportive membership were a great asset but the main credit has to go to the LTA.

“Their expertise and financial assistance has made this enterprise a success and we aim to start work in the next few weeks with completion due three months on from that. Once installed the floodlights and mini pavilion will transform the club to a year-round facility open to all."

Matt James, LTA head of performance added “We are delighted to be able to provide Thames Ditton Lawn Tennis Club with this £50,000 investment.

“Floodlights can make a huge difference to the number of playing hours in winter, so they are a key priority as we work to boost regular participation in tennis.

“Improving and increasing the number of facilities for the whole community is an integral aspect of the LTA’s overarching plan for British Tennis.

“The LTA is dedicated to continuing its investment in grassroots and the community to increase the number of people playing tennis, keeping people in the game and supporting talented players to achieve their potential.”