Helsby Tennis Club has won the Lawn Tennis Association's North region Tennis Club of the Year, beating clubs in Cumbria, Durham & Cleveland, Isle of Man, Lancashire, Northumberland and Yorkshire to the honour.

"Our focus on excellence, flexibility and inclusivity were highly praised in addition to a great coaching programme, phenomenal growth and amazing development of the new site," Helsby Tennis Club said.

"It's our dedicated team of volunteers and collaborative and community focused approach which sets this club apart.

"The work during the Covid pandemic to ensure as many people as possible benefitted from sport was a factor in the success of the club."

During the pandemic, Helsby has successfully introduced trial memberships, taster sessions and meet-and-greets, encouraging the whole community to get involved with the sport and thus increasing their membership by 40 per cent.

Helsby is now one of seven clubs in the running for the LTA National Club of the Year award, the winner of which will be announced on 24 June.

In March, Helsby was also awarded Cheshire Club of the Year, and members are now planning an award presentation on 27 June, just before Wimbledon begins.