FORMER Clarets star and Northern Ireland international Jimmy McIlroy swapped a football for a tennis ball as he officially unveiled a £146,000 refurbishment scheme which has proved "ace" with local players.

Burnley Lawn Tennis Club's brand new facilities, including four artificial grass courts and floodlighting, were put on show to an audience of invited guests.

And though the rain fell during the opening ceremony it could not dampen club members' enthusiasm for the new facilities, largely paid for by a successful bid for £127,993 of Lottery cash.

The club replaced four shale courts which were wearing out and becoming increasingly difficult to maintain with artificial grass courts and resurfaced its two tarmacadamed courts.

The club's car park was also resurfaced in the four-month refurbishment programme which has served up added benefits off court as well. Membership has doubled since the end of last season to 120 members, half of whom are juniors.

Club secretary Ian Woolstencroft said: "We were faced with facilities which were causing more and more difficulties. I noticed a lot of clubs were applying for lottery money so I though why not Burnley?

"We're already beginning to see benefits with the membership doubling. Local schools are using the courts during the day and many people who never played tennis before are starting to learn.

The opening event included a mixed doubles invitation match involving club coach and ex-county player and five times county doubles champion Mark Rushton, Lancashire Men's captain Eric Knowles, and the top junior players in the county, Gail Atherton and Danielle Hock.

Mark and Gail ran out winners 6-3 6-3.

The club is now planning a bid for more lottery cash to provide a new clubhouse.

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