It was a real love match when newly-refurbished village tennis courts were officially reopened.

The courts in London Colney have been transformed as a result of £45.715 funding from Tarmac via the Landfill Communities Fund, administered to the parish council by community charity Groundwork Hertfordshire.

They have been resurfaced and re-netted to make them safer and more appealing to use.

Professional tennis coaches and local residents turned out for the reopening and parish council chairman, Malcolm MacMillan, said: “The project means that we now have superior quality tennis facilities for villagers of all ages; as a result we may help to launch the careers of future stars as well as providing fun-filled opportunities for many.”

Penny Turner, Tyttenhanger quarry manager for Tarmac, added: “We’re delighted to be able to support a community project which will be beneficial to so many local residents. Engaging with the communities in which we operate is something we strive to do across our business. We’re very happy to have donated to this this project and support a great local facility.”

The parish council is providing tennis coaching for youngsters twice a week for £1 a session for the rest of this month.