Plans for a £2.2m community tennis centre in Telford have been handed a boost after the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) agreed to contribute towards the scheme.

The sport's national governing body has agreed to grant Telford and Wrekin Council (TWC) £370,000 towards construction costs, in addition to a £130,000 loan. Under the council's plans - the first phase of the new Oakengate Sports and Learning Community, the new facility will boast eight courts - four indoor and four all-weather outdoor courts.

TWC has also outlined its Tennis Development Plan for the local area, which will see the new centre work with schools and parks to deliver a programme of tennis activities. Stephen Bentley, TWC's cabinet member for active lifestyles, said: "This news is a real boost for tennis enthusiasts in the borough and will create a fantastic sports facility for the whole of the borough.

"The site will ultimately be a Sports and Learning Community to replace the current Sutherland Business and Enterprise College and will be a significant part of the council's planned regeneration of Oakengates."