A LEOMINSTER charity has joined forced with the town's tennis club to help make a difference to the lives of disabled people.

Following a summer taster session last year, the Leominster Tennis Club met with the charity, ECHO, to discuss the way forward for ECHO participants and their sporting dreams.

ECHO said it was recognised that tennis does not just offer people the chance to develop their fitness and coordination, but also to build social skills, confidence, self-esteem and independence.

Bryan Leech, chairman of Leominster Tennis Club, said: "In line with our club’s long history of inclusivity, one outcome of this eight-week tennis coaching course – led by coach Howard Richards and supported by Graham Morris from the club – has led to ECHO players becoming new Leominster Tennis Club members.

"Our working partnership with ECHO in developing tennis in Leominster has received excellent assistance from our facilities provider HALO and also Leominster Town Council.

The course not only taught basic tennis skills but also introduced the ECHO players to the principles, rules and etiquette of doubles tennis, so they are equipped to participate in social tennis.

To ensure maximum inclusion, the final session took place at Leominster Tennis Club’s social tennis evening, enabling the participants – supported by ECHO – to widen their social circle and consider membership of the club.