A NEW initiative from Huddersfield Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is aiming to get the over 50s to pick up a tennis racquet.

Performance coach at the club, Alexis Woods, says tennis is the ideal game for older people.

"It's good for mobility and overall aerobic fitness and you can play at many different levels. Most people could have a stab at it. It's also a social activity, particularly if you are playing doubles," he explained.

The club, in Cemetery Road, recently set up the over-fifties coaching and playing session on Thursday mornings - open to members and non-members - as part of a drive to widen the appeal of the club.

Club administrator Julie St John agrees that tennis is for all ages: "We have members in their eighties, who still play regularly."

The club, which was founded 125 year ago, caters for everyone.

"We also have a guardian and toddler session for the under fives and their carers. We teach the children ball skills on a squash court while their parents have a tennis lesson," said Julie. The club has a thriving junior section and many family group members.

With the popularity of activities for the over 50s - Huddersfield's Owls Club, for example, packs Huddersfield Sports Centre on a regular basis - the club hopes that its new sessions will attract the newly-retired and those with spare time on their hands.

Sessions cost £5 each and the activity takes place from 10.30am until noon.

Having enjoyed a recent refurbishment of its lounge facilities, the club also provides pleasant and comfortable surroundings for social gatherings.

Plans to create a gym on site will add another dimension to the club, which has eight outdoor tennis courts, four indoor courts, and five squash courts that are also available for racquet ball - an up-and-coming sport at the club.

For further details about the club's facilities and activities call 01484 422541.

WOULD you like to make tennis, squash and racquet ball a part of your family's life? Hudddersfield Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is offering one free family membership, worth £615, to the winners of today's competition. All you have to do to enter is to write and tell us, in no more than 200 words, why you would like a family membership and what it would do for your family. Send your entry to: Tennis Club Competition, Features Department, Huddersfield Examiner, PO Box A 26, Queen Street South, Huddersfield HD1 2TD. The closing date is one week today and normal competition rules apply.