TENNIS clubs across Dorset were treated to a special visit from the president of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) at the end of last month.

David Rawlinson, the LTA's president, toured four local tennis clubs during his visit to the county on Wednesday, September 29.

His final stop of the day was East Dorset Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Poole, where he played a game of tennis with members.

President of the Dorset LTA, John Feaver, who attended the event, said: "It is a huge deal for the club having the LTA president here.

"It is really rare that the president would come on the court with us. David was certainly digging deep on the court.

"The past year has been very 'stop start' for tennis, and people have been excited to go out and meet up with old friends again. They have realised that playing sport and being fit is a privilege."

David was elected as LTA president in January 2020, only three months before the first national lockdown, restricting his responsibilities as president.

As a result of this, he was keen to return to the road (and courts) to meet the faces behind some of the UK's tennis clubs.

David said: "As LTA president one of my goals is to visit every county in my three years in this position. Since mid July I have visited nine counties, including Cumbria. I let the tennis clubs' county committees decide what they want to do with me when I visit.

"My role is voluntary and ceremonial, I present cups and prizes at events and matches and meet volunteers.

"The local authority here in Dorset has been very good, and the East Dorset Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club is my last stop.

"The volunteers here are the backbone of the sport and it’s quite humbling to see what they do. They have made me feel so welcome."

Chairman of the Dorset LTA, Richard Henshaw said: "It's great the LTA president has taken the time to come here.

"David met volunteers across Dorset today. We have taken him to Southbourne to see our fantastic program of disability tennis, Sport Mind in Poole Park and he visited Wimborne to see our Junior County players.

"We want as many people to play tennis as possible, and they can go on the LTA website to find out where they can play."

The first 15 juniors who wish to join the East Dorset Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club will receive a voucher to go towards membership fees.

Visit https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/EastDorsetLTCC to find out more about a club membership.