THE Lawn Tennis Association has awarded the prestigious LTA meritorious award to John Reid for his outstanding voluntary service to the sport.

In December, Reid will retire from his role as a councillor of the LTA, the national governing body of the sport.

He has represented Herefordshire and Worcestershire LTA on the council for 28 years and, during this time, he has served on a number of national committees.

Reid began his playing career in Staffordshire where he represented the county.

He moved to Evesham in the late 1960s and has been a prominent member of Evesham Rowing Club (tennis section) for almost 40 years where he has notched up a number of club titles. He is also a trustee and life vice-president of the club.

In 1977, Reid was first elected on to the Executive Committee of H&WLTA and has held the position of honorary treasurer since 1995.

He also runs the county summer league and serves on several other committees.

The building of the first indoor tennis courts in the county was masterminded by Reid along with a team from Manor Park Tennis Club in Malvern.

He continues to work tirelessly for tennis within the county and his dedication deserves this exceptional honour from the LTA.