AN OSWESTRY man has been recognised for his services to tennis with a prestigious award from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

Clive Knight, who has devoted so much time in a voluntary and professional capacity to tennis over more than 40 years, has been presented with the LTA Meritorious Service Award.

It’s further recognition for Clive after he received the 2018 Tennis Shropshire British Tennis award for lifetime achievement last November.

Currently the chairman at Oswestry Team Tennis, Clive received his latest award from Shropshire’s Cathie Sabin, the former LTA president and a long-time friend, at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Priory Club during the Nature Valley Classic.

As a further acknowledgement of his dedication, Clive was also invited by the LTA to Wimbledon to be a guest at the president’s lunch earlier this year.

The Oswestry man was keen to thank people who have supported him through his time in tennis.

"I’m very proud to have received the award,” said Clive, who lives in Dudleston Heath, north Shropshire.

"Many thanks to Bob Kerr for putting my name forward. It’s an award which I’m very proud of, but without all the people supporting me over so many years, it would not have been possible.

“My wife, Sally, has been hugely supportive right from day one.

“Cathie pointed me in the right direction almost 40 years ago, so it was very nice that she should be the one presenting me with the award.

“Cathie’s done incredibly well in her tennis career, so it was very fitting that she was at Edgbaston, along with some amazing volunteers from their areas also winning this award.”

Clive’s career in tennis started when he became a volunteer at Criftins Tennis Club, before setting up the North Shropshire Tennis Association and then going on to become LTA county development officer for Shropshire.

He later became chairman of Criftins Tennis Club for the second time and too on the voluntary role of junior competition organiser before taking up many various roles elsewhere across the region.

Simon Jones, the chair of Tennis Shropshire, was happy to see Clive recognised with such a prestigious award.

He said: “Clive has been involved in Shropshire tennis for so many years.

“His name is known absolutely everywhere, and everybody’s got so much respect for what he’s done for the county.

“He’s done a fantastic job for tennis and we’re continuing to see that now at Oswestry Team Tennis. It’s thoroughly deserved recognition.”