AROUND 200 people played tennis at Hartford as the club opened its doors to potential new members.

During the club’s open event some picked up a racket for the first time, others returned to the sport while others experimented with cardio tennis.

“My goal at Hartford has always been to get as many people to play the sport as possible, if we discover the next Andy Murray along the way then that is a bonus,” said club coach John Walsh.

“We just try to create a friendly atmosphere so that everyone feels welcome and hopefully just enjoys tennis as well as the social aspect that goes with it.”

More than 100 juniors - some as young as three and four - flocked to the outdoor artificial turf courts on Chester Road to join the fun.

Some practised forehands and backhands whilst the youngest played games and got used to being on court.

Later adults enjoyed some free court time and then were put through their paces during a cardio tennis session to music.

Club chairman Duncan Appelbe said: “What we wanted to do was give people a taster of all the different opportunities the club has to offer because there is a way into tennis for everyone.

“We’ve already had people joining up and saying they want to continue playing tennis so that can only be a good thing for everyone.”

To join the club go to www.htc-registration.co.uk or call 01606 872664.