A TENNIS club wants to bring the game of padel to the county, but needs support to do so.

Hereford Squash Tennis and Racketball Centre are looking into the viability of converting one of their original courts into two specially designed padel court which could also be used to children's coaching.

This project is dependent upon funding from Sport England and the club needs to be able to demonstrate that there is demand from the local community.

In particular the club is appealing to those over-50 who would remain active if they could play a sport like padel.

To help the club they are asking everybody to complete a short online survey HERE to also be in with a chance of winning three months free membership at the club.

"The sport is a cross between tennis and squash and is actually bigger than tennis in Spain," said club chairman Tom Burton.

"The take up of tennis is on the decline and padel is ideal for older people as there is a glass back to the courts so you don't have to chase after balls.

"We need to get responses to a local survey in order to gauge the demand. So that when we apply for funding we have already got a survey to support our application.

"We are trying to bring a new sport to the county as the nearest court is in Birmingham. A lot of clubs are building these courts and we want it to be affordable and encourage people to become active once this pandemic is over."

Hereford Squash Tennis and Racketball Centre is one of the clubs which has re-opened its doors to club members following the easing of Government guidelines.

Members can currently play singles tennis while family groups can play doubles. There is also coaching available while following Government guidelines.

Ross Tennis Centre has also re-opened its doors and is also welcoming non-members and everyone should bring their own equipment.

“It is great to see the courts being used again”, said coach Steve Barnett.

Players are urged to mark their own tennis balls so there is no confusion, and bring hand gel or gloves to protect themselves.

Booking and payment for the Ross Tennis Centre courts is on their website.