MALVERN'S Manor Park Tennis Club is being held up as a shining example - after another dismal Wimbledon for Britain.

Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) officials commended Manor Park on its attitude towards young people, saying the club was "leading the way" in promoting tennis for children and teenagers.

"Manor Park has exactly the right kind of attitude that we're looking for in tennis clubs," said Rebecca Miskin, the newly-appointed director of tennis operations at the LTA.

"It's the biggest challenge to get more kids playing and competing because that's where champions come from," she said.

Malvern, which is already a performance accredited club, is one of only 200 out of 2,400 in the country to actively encourage young people to play tennis and compete in tournaments. There are 17 courts at the club, two of which are indoor courts built as a joint venture with the LTA.

But Manor Park is lucky to be able to take advantage of LTA funds, as the association is threatening to stop funding clubs that close their gates to youngsters.

Some clubs have been turning teenagers and children away, simply because they are dressed incorrectly or have had no coaching.

According to Miskin, this is the reason why Britain has failed to boast huge success at Wimbledon in the past few years.

Manor Park runs a junior coaching programme throughout the year, and short tennis for 5-8 year olds, as well as adult programmes.

Senior tennis coach Jane Poynder said: "This is a good thing for the club and for tennis generally within Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Thanks to developments over the years, the club has become rather a thriving hub for tennis in the area."

Manor Park Men's D ended their season with a victory over Bewdley F.

In a very close and enjoyable encounter last Sunday, the match was tied on rubbers and sets and it was down to games which Manor Park won 62-60.

Results: B White & D Hallam 4-6, 6-3 and 6-0, 6-3. A Stevens & G Wilks 6-4, 0-6, 2-6 and 6-2, 6-2. M Lane & B Lawler 5-7, 4-6 and 4-6, 1-6.

An end of season dinner will be held on October 4.

Details about the dinner are available from Brendon Lawler on (01684) 572994.