Councillor Alex Baird, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, visited the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown, to view the two new mini tennis courts.

The new courts, located adjacent to the four existing full size and floodlit synthetic courts, were provided by the Council in response to demand from an increasing number of local young players, both beginners and improvers.

Designed by Bawnacre staff member and local tennis coach John Maguire, the colourful courts, each measuring 12 metres x six metres and fitted with special nets, are ideal for primary school children wishing to learn the basic skills of tennis in a safe and user friendly environment.

During his visit, Councillor Baird met with local children as they used the new mini courts.

In offering encouragement to the players and their parents to make maximum use of the new courts, Councillor Baird said that this latest development was a further indication of the Council's commitment to provide quality sports facilities for people of all ages.

The mini courts are in use every day this week for various age groups in the annual Fermanagh Junior Open Tennis Championships.

Over the coming months, the courts will be used by the Junior Section of the Irvinestown Tennis Club for coaching and competitions.

In addition, the new courts will also be available for non-tennis club members to use.

Advance booking by members of the public, and junior tennis club members must be made via the Bawnacre Centre reception desk.