Ealing’s Will to Win Tennis Centre at Lammas Park was yesterday awarded ‘Beacon’ status in recognition of its high quality fun affordable tennis programme.

The announcement took place as the centre unveiled three new floodlit courts thanks to a £50,000 investment from the Tennis Foundation.

The new facilities will extend the availability of tennis opportunities for the local community.

The project has helped transform the once derelict site into a local tennis hotspot.

It is one of 31 ‘Beacon’ sites across the country which recognises the best community-focussed facilities, as part of the Lawn Tennis Association’s AEGON Parks Tennis programme.

Sue Mappin, Executive Director at the Tennis Foundation, who attended the opening and presented Steve Riley, director of Will to Win Tennis with the ‘Beacon’ plaque said: "I am delighted to award Lammas Park with Beacon status and the fact that it’s now got the floodlights means it’s sustainable through the winter.

"People from the local area can walk to this park, they can cycle to it, they can come on a bus and really that’s what we’re trying to develop – community tennis facilities.

"It’s a basic model which works well and we can use the investment at Will to Win as a template moving forward.

"The centre is welcoming, benefits from good coaches and fun programmes that people can afford to get involved in.

"And if we can broaden the base generally, we can get more kids and adults playing and keeping fit.

"It’s for all ages and all abilities.

"In many deprived areas there are no tennis clubs but there are a lot of parks so we also plan work closely with local authorities to improve these sites if necessary and implement a coaching recruitment programme to get more people involved in the sport.

"It is these partnerships with local authorities that are really important for us."

Steve Riley Director of Will to Win Tennis said: "To be awarded Beacon status is brilliant news for the centre and the new flood lights mean that everyone can now play year round.

"It’s great for the staff, coaches, players and local community.

"These courts have been derelict for 15vyears so the local people think it’s fantastic because they can see the progress made over the last five years and they walk by and want to play.

"We want to drive more people to come and experience the tennis courts for free.

"We go into schools to teach kids and invite them to come down to the centre to play between 3-5pm from Monday to Friday for free."