THE first aces of the new tennis season were served at Soham Village College on Saturday as eight new championship standard tennis courts were officially opened.

The courts, which took more than four months to build, will be home to the town’s tennis club as well as open to students and members of the public to hire.

Students from the college joined with representatives from the Ross Peers Sports Centre, Soham Tennis Club and court specialists Blakedown Sport and Play to cut the ribbon on the flood-lit courts, which have already seen some competitive action.

In the winter, when the tennis season winds down, the new courts will double as six netball courts and four basketball practice courts.

Principal Dr Carin Taylor said “I hope that these courts will be well used by people keen to enjoy recreational and competitive tennis in Soham. This is a significant investment in high quality outdoor sports facilities which will, I hope, encourage many of our students and members of the local community to a lifelong interest in playing high level sport, and in particular tennis.”

Courts will cost �8 (�4 for juniors) per hour and require a �10 key deposit. They will be available for booking in the evenings, weekends and school holidays from Monday, June 20. Contact the college on 01353 724100 for more information.