Blistering sunshine and the irresistible smell of a barbecue ensured a good crowd at Croxley Tennis Club's annual open day on Saturday.

Tennis games and coaching sessions, as well as cardio-fitness training for the more energetic, were enjoyed by almost 100 children and adults.

Members of the club, which was handed a certificate at the Three Rivers and Watford School Sports Partnership awards evening this week, hailed the event as one of the best yet.

Head coach Wayne McDonald said: "It was a vibrant and enjoyable day. We were lucky with the weather and everyone was very enthusiastic, despite the heat."

At Monday's awards evening, the club was presented a certificate in recognition of its outreach programme, after coming runner-up in the Community Sports Club of the Year category.

Through the programme, the club has organised coaching sessions at schools and public tennis courts in Croxley Green for the past ten years.

Chairman Colin Hewett said: "We are very pleased that our work in the community has been recognised. We provide a lot of free taster sessions for children in the area in the hope of introducing them to the game and encouraging healthy lifestyles."

The certificate was presented by badminton Olympic silver-medallist Gail Emms, at a ceremony held at Watersmeet Theatre, in Rickmansworth.

Click here to follow the Watford Observer on Twitter and here to visit our Facebook page