A VILLAGE tennis club is throwing open its doors to the public.

Kirby Tennis Club, based next to the playing fields off Halstead Road, is holding its open day on Saturday, from 10am until 4pm.

Entry is free and all new members joining on the day will receive a 25 per cent discount, in addition to a lesson with club coach Curtis Austin.

Kirby have a full affiliation to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and, due to their high coaching standards and club development work, have been awarded Club Mark (Charter Standard) status.

Players of all ages and standards are welcome to come along and try their hand at the sport.

“We’re a small, local club but really trying to expand,” said chairman Craig Newnes.

“We’ll be opening our doors for free, with a chance for all players of all standards to come along and give it a go.”

Kirby have four all-weather courts and two grass courts and members have the chance to play socially or in teams.

Social sessions, open to everyone, are held on Saturdays, from 1pm until 4pm, Mondays, from 10am until 1pm, Tuesdays, from 7pm until 9pm, and Wednesdays, from 1pm until 4pm.

The club operates throughout the winter, with many members making use of the floodlit courts.

Kirby also enter men’s, ladies’ and mixed teams in the Colchester and District League, as well as in the Essex Junior and Veterans’ Leagues.

Austin is a level two registered coach who runs a programme of junior group lessons on Saturdays.

He is also available for individual lessons with juniors/adults.

He is looking to develop links with schools and become a learning destination for the Essex Children’s University.

For more information, contact him on 07870 763836 or e-mail austin4.family@btopenworld.com