Southend Parks Tennis centre has been awarded community venue of the year from the Lawn Tennis Association.

The centre, which is based at Priory Park and Chalkwell Park, was picked from a strong field of nominees and presented with the award in recognition of the support and promotion of the sport within the local community.

Southend Parks Tennis has 11 floodlit tennis courts and the centre offers affordable tennis sessions for the whole community, as well as reasonably priced annual memberships of £36 for the whole household, to use the courts.

In addition, there is also an inclusive tennis-coaching programme offered to all ages and abilities. The Lawn Tennis Association Tennis Awards, which have been taking place since 2015, celebrate the achievements made by outstanding individuals and venues throughout the past year.

And Southend Parks Tennis were among those to pick up a prize.

There are 10 categories in the awards, with nominations made for any person or place that deserves recognition.

Awards are then whittled down to county, regional and national winners.

As a county winner, Southend Parks Tennis will now be entered into a shortlist, with the chance to be named the winner of the Community Venue of the Year for the East region.

And Sima Parker, the parks tennis manager for Fusion, Southend, was delighted to win the award.

“We are so proud to be recognised for this award,” said Parker.

“Our team work so hard to make sure that our facilities are accessible, enjoyable and affordable for the whole community to use. “We’re thankful to all the players and parents for nominating us.”