TENNIS: A CHILDREN'S tournament and barbecue helped boost Helsby Tennis Club's fundraising drive for courts.
The event at the Chester Road site raised £143.50 towards the campaign.
Winner of the boys' event was Tom Candler, 14, while 13-year-old Grace Martin scooped the girls' title.
Both were presented with trophies by club chairman John Burke.
Edwina Stanley, whose son Edward is a member of the club, baked cakes for a stall.
And Devonshire Bakery provided others free of charge.
Acting secretary, Freda Parry, said: 'It was an excellent day and I would like to thank Mrs Stanley and Devonshire Bakery.
Mr Burke said: 'It was very well attended by the kids with more than 20 players taking part.
'We've had a terrific response to our campaign so far. We now have 100 members.
'We're now waiting for a report from the Lawn Tennis Association on the likely cost of new courts.'
The club's three dilapidated courts have seen it banned from the Cheshire and District League.
All-weather surfacing will cost around £70,000, with an interest-free loan likely to provide 75% of that.
Five local businesses and organisations have offered financial aid to the tune of nearly £2,000.
Oil giant Shell is the main contributor, with £1,350.
Other donations have come from Kemira and Quinn Glass.
Helsby Parish Council has given £100, while Frodsham Forward provided £250 towards nets.
British tennis star, Mark Hilton, from Mickle Trafford, who first played the sport at the Chester Road courts, has backed the campaign.
