Construction work has started on a new indoor tennis complex at Churchill Community College in Wallsend, North Tyneside, to create an all-weather facility for students, local residents and tennis clubs.

The four-court centre - consisting of a steel-framed waterproof fabric structure, is set to be built over the school's existing tennis courts, which will also undergo improvements as part of the scheme and will link with other indoor sports areas. Nearly £550,000 has been invested in the new facility by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) as part of British Tennis' Places to Play strategy to boost participation, while the Department for Children, Schools and Families has also contributed.

Matt James, LTA UK head of performance, said: "Indoor facilities make a huge difference to the number of playing hours in winter, so are a priority as we work to boost regular participation in tennis. "Improving and increasing facilities for the whole community is central to the LTA's overarching plan for British Tennis as we work to increase the number of people playing tennis, keep people in the game and support talented players to achieve their potential."

North Tyneside Council's cabinet member for children, young people and learning, George Westwater, added: "This will provide a valuable new facility for all standards of tennis player in North Tyneside, and I particularly hope it will encourage and enable more young players to get involved in the sport."