A TENNIS club on the verge of folding is all set to have a much brighter future after locals rallied round to save it.

It looked to be a case of game over for the historic Newcastle Emlyn and Adpar Tennis Club, which can trace its origins back to 1878 but has seen a significant decline in recent years.

There were no playing members and the three courts at the back of the football club in the town were falling to disrepair.

But in a last-ditch bid to save the club from closure, a recent appeal at a public meeting for new members seems to have revived the club’s flagging fortunes.

A recent Open Day for the newly-renamed Newcastle Emlyn & Adpar Community Tennis Club proved a smash hit, with a new committee pulling together in their free time to save the courts from closure

“The day was a huge success and more than 70 new members have joined ranging in ages from three to veteran players,” said a club spokesperson.

“Many local businesses rallied round to help provide food on the day and we would like to thank the Co-Op (Emlyn) for the burger buns, cream, butter, ketchup

“The strawberries came from Chris Thomas & Sons Carmarthen, who are in Emlyn on Friday mornings; the burgers from Dewi James Butcher and Action Graffix (Drefach Felindre) for the banner.”

A new website is being launched and for anyone wanting to join or for further information, contact 07731 841526 or email ncetennis@gmail.com. Membership runs until March 31, 2020 and costs £15 for a family, £10 for an adult, £5 for a child/junior and £5 for a visitor.

The club was buoyant in the early-mid 2000’s - LTA affiliated - with a membership of around 60, regularly playing matches and with a thriving junior section and coach.