TWO new tennis courts have been opened at Tidworth Leisure Centre - after a three-year wait.

The courts were in the original plans for the £10 million leisure centre but outdoor tennis had to be shelved for financial reasons when the building was under construction.

Now following a £35,000 grant from the Army Sport Control Board, £5,000 from Kennet District Council and a £5,000 contribution from the garrison budget, the tennis courts, which have their own floodlighting, are now open in time for summer.

General Simon Lytle, the director of the Army Sport Control Board praised what's happening on the sporting front in Tidworth.

"It gives me great pleasure to open this facility," he said. "We were very happy to provide the money but you also need enthusiastic people on the ground.

"It is difficult to think that as little as six years ago Tidworth was a desert of sports facilities but that has changed."

Since 1998 Tidworth has since seen an upgrade of the cricket facilities, the refurbishment of the Oval, the opening of the Tidworth Leisure Centre and now two new tennis courts.

"The all-weather facility in Tidworth is now the most used all weather pitch in the Army - well done Tidworth," added the general.

Centre manager Stuart McLean promised that although the Army has paid the majority of the cost, soldiers would have no greater priority in booking the courts than anyone else.

But he added that the courts would not have been constructed without the contribution from General Lytle.

Tennis coaching will be available at the centre and for younger players short tennis is also in the programme.