A PRAYER has been said in St James' Church in Hartlebury for the village's newly-refurbished tennis courts.

Priest-in-charge, the Rev Peter Worrall, asked his congregation to pray for the courts to be free of vandals, skateboarders and cyclists.

The tennis club has spent more than £8,000 on a new surface for its two courts, helped by a £5,000 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme.

Chairman Tony Bishop said: "A minority of youngsters abuse the courts by throwing on stones and sticks. Some also use it as a skateboard park and cycle track.

"We hope that the brand-new surface will encourage them to use the courts properly."

Mr Worrall said: "The power of prayer is a wonderful thing. Any facility that offers an opportunity to take part in sport has got to be a good thing."