GLORIOUS sunshine greeted the finale of a 24-hour fundraiser set to serve up £10,000 for Knutsford Tennis Club.

The Tennis A Thon funds will go towards the £120,000 needed to rebuild three of the club’s seven courts due to subsidence.

The fundraiser was launched by actor and comedian Ted Robbins, who plays the Governor in CBBC programme The Slammer, on Friday afternoon.

Club members, family and friends signed up to play one-hour slots, and the club hopes when all the pledges come in the event will have raised £10,000.

“Knutsford Tennis Club is a wonderful club to be part of, and offers great tennis and a real sense of fun,” said ladies captain Louise Nanda.

“The 24-hour event was a great success and one memories are made of.

“We are fundraising to ensure we have fantastic courts for years to come so anyone in the town can enjoy a fantastic sport, meet friends, and, who knows, maybe we’ll find the next Wimbledon champion!

“Even the torrential rain at the start could not dampen the spirits, and dressing up and silly hats was the order of the day as all the Knutsford Sports Club sections and Knutsford Rugby club threw their weight behind the event.”

Louise and fellow organisers Jules Greaves and coaches Mark Airey and Jamie Dalziel stayed up for the full 24 hours to ensure not a minute was lost on court.

Midnight saw celebrations for the 16th birthday of junior member Joe Gallager, by 2pm members were arriving in their pajamas or wet suits and at 4pm Father Christmas dropped in to play.

As each hour passed players had their photo taken in front of the Countdown clock, and bacon sandwiches cooked by Andy Tucker and his team of chefs, Andy Saunders and Steven Nanda, kept the team on court for breakfast.

The sun eventually showed up and the courts were packed for the finale. The speed of serve competition achieved top speeds of 64mph and 101mph for the women and men respectively, and if anyone would like to get in touch about membership or pledges contact lounanda@virignmedia.com.