IT was a time to remember for Kirktonhill Tennis Club as they celebrated the Great British Tennis Weekend in style.

The nationwide Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) programme asked for clubs across the country to open their doors to the local public in the hopes of getting more people playing the sport.

There was something for everyone at Kirktonhill, with Saturday, May 19 dedicated to children and families before more experienced players took to the court on Sunday.

The weekend proved to be a huge success as more than 20 people visited the club for the very first time.

Fiona MacDonald, club secretary, told the Reporter that she was delighted with how the LTA initiative had been received by the local community.

She said: "This is the first time we have done the Great British Tennis Weekend and we will certainly be keen to do it again in the near future.

"We have a new clubhouse, so we are far more able to provide the welcome and the positive feel about the place that we want.

"Feedback has been very positive, and I am expecting most people who saw it for the first time to come back.

"So, overall we are just really pleased with how the weekend went."

Tracing its routes back to the nineteenth century, Kirktonhill currently boats around 110 members with ages ranging from five to 82-years-old and both adult and children’s coaching available.

However, MacDonald said that people were still surprised to find out that there was a tennis club in Dumbarton.

She added: "I think tennis still possibly struggles with its 'elitist' image, but it is about showing that it is a game for all.

"We have tried to make tennis as affordable as possible and most are surprised by how affordable it is.

"We lend the tennis rackets and coaching is all pay as you go, so we don't ask people to pay big sums up front.

"We just want more people to get involved and hopefully become members here."

For more information on Kirktonhill Tennis Club phone Fiona MacDonald on 01389 750688 or check out the club’s Facebook page.