Here’s when you can have a hit around with tennis star Barry Cowan, who took Pete Sampras to five sets at Wimbledon

A former UK tennis star will officially open a newly resurfaced village court this weekend, writes Grace Dowdney.

Barry Cowan will cut the ribbon at Boxford Tennis Club on Sunday (June 29), as part of a community open afternoon promoting club membership to the local community.

Mr Cowen famously took Pete Sampras to five sets at Wimbledon in the second round in 2001.

The tennis star will be on the courts for half an hour, starting at 3.30pm, followed by the ribbon cutting and speeches at 4pm.

“Community access to sports like tennis is such an important pillar for physical and mental fitness and overall health,” he said.

“I hope lots of families and children will join club members in seeing what wonderful new facilities are on their doorstep.”

The courts at Boxford Recreation Ground (RG20 8DD) will be open to the public from 2.30pm-5.30pm on the day and they are inviting everyone to join them, experienced or not.

Complimentary pizza and refreshments will be provided on the day courtesy of The Boxford restaurant on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Chairman of Boxford Tennis Club, Jon Knight, said: “We are delighted that Barry and The Boxford are supporting our open afternoon.

“We want more families and local residents to get involved in the club and to give tennis a try.

“The courts will be open for everyone in the community to come and have a hit with Barry and learn more about club membership.”

Boxford Tennis is a not-for-profit club, run by a small group of volunteers, who said it was “our goal is to show how easy it is for local residents and families to access some fantastic great value community facilities on their doorstep”.

Soaring resurfacing costs meant it was becoming increasingly challenging to maintain Boxford’s courts for the future.

But thanks to an “incredibly generous donation” from one of the club’s members, who wishes to remain anonymous, and with support from The Boxford, the club was able to find the £10,000 needed to make the project possible.

General manager at The Boxford, Laszlo Veres, added: “As a local business, we are always looking for ways to support our community, and the courts are a fantastic asset for the village.”