Refurbishment work has been completed at 17 tennis courts in Sunderland.

More than £400,000 has been invested into 17 tennis courts across seven of the city's parks.

The courts are now officially open and available to book at:

• Barnes Park

• Roker Park

• Ryhope Park

• Usworth Park

• Barley Mow Park

• Thompson Park

• Hetton Park

The improvements, which include new surfacing, new nets, painting, and secure gates, were made possible by Sunderland City Council securing £332,000 funding from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, with the council also investing £71,000 from its own budget.

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The work was carried out following a Let's Talk Tennis consultation where residents were asked what would encourage them to use the tennis courts in the city's parks more often.

The project is part of a nationwide £30 million investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish thousands of public tennis and open up the sport to many more people.

Councillor John Price, Cabinet Member for Vibrant City at Sunderland City Council, said: "The investment into tennis courts in the city's parks came in response to residents telling us what they want to see and what would encourage them to take up tennis, so I am delighted to see them open and ready to be used.

"The revamped tennis courts look fantastic and I hope they will encourage a new generation of players to get into tennis and enjoy all the benefits of playing sport such as improving physical and mental health and bringing people together."