TENNIS players in Melrose enjoyed a smashing introduction to their brand new facilities on Saturday.

Finals Day at Melrose Waverley is always an exciting climax to the season.

But this year's matches had the added thrill of players being able to use the club's brand new facilities.

Pat Nicholson, secretary to Melrose Waverley Tennis Club, told us: "Finals Day allowed members and friends to use and enjoy the improvements and developments that have taken place in the clubhouse this summer."

The incorporation of the men's changing rooms to within the clubhouse has resulted in an improved and larger lounge space.

A new viewing window onto the courts plus a viewing balcony and new disability access were also added during the summer works.

Both the outside and inside of the clubhouse were also painted.

Mrs Nicholson added: "These improvements were only made possible by the generosity of our three funders - Scottish Borders' Council once again helped the club with a Community Grant of £5000, ClubSport ,Ettrick and Lauderdale ,who over the years, have always supported the club well in many different ways contributed £2500.

"Our main funder was BCCF Environmental who contributed a generous £13,200 to our project."

BCCF Environmental is a wholly voluntary run registered charity which considers bids and then awards funds to environmental projects.

The money for such funding originates from a small portion of Landfill tax which, through Scottish Borders' Council, is allowed to be given to approved bodies such as BCCF Environmental to distribute to worthy projects

The reaction to Melrose Waverley's improved facilities was very favourable.

Everyone attending Finals'Day said what a good and useful space the clubhouse had now become. Many members of the public have also voiced their approval.

The plans had been drawn up and the project managed by architect Mac Brown and the main contractor was T McLeish and Sons.

Saturday's Finals Day stretched well into the evening, was very successful.

In brilliant sunshine spectators enjoyed a great afternoon of tennis.

The winners of junior and senior finals will be presented with their trophies at the presentation night to be held on Monday,November 7 at 7pm in the clubhouse.

The annual AGM will follow the presentation of trophies.