MORE than 50 members past and present celebrated the 25th anniversary of MCS Tennis Club last weekend.

The club was formed by a group of women from the villages of Mathon, Cradley and Storridge in 1980 to provide sports facilities for the local area.

After years of fundraising and sourcing grants, the club got off the ground, literally - the first clubhouse was blown onto the courts by gale force winds. Despite this setback the club has gone from strength to strength, with three courts, floodlights and practice wall.

The 25th anniversary celebrations started with a mixed tennis tournament for 15 pairs, playing in two sections.

In the first section, Sally Helder and Graham Jones won the crucial match against Shirley Heaton and James Plant, allowing Jackie Styles and Ron Hill to move into second spot.

In the second section, Anita Waites and Paul Grubb won a play-off against Valda Bridges and Duncan Hannaford, with three other pairs only a further game behind.

In the final, Anita and Paul won the deciding tie-break against Sally and Graham.

Players then joined founder and past members in Mathon village hall for a celebratory lunch organised by Gill Howard and Pat Pugh, ending with chairman Peter Flagg proposing a toast to the future of the club.

Events in 2005 include a play tennis open day on May 8, coaching for juniors and adult improvers starting on May 9 and club tournament events throughout June.

Membership enquiries to Pat Pugh on 01531 640682.