EX-ENGLAND footballer Sol Campbell has reopened the tennis courts at Leyton's Abbotts Park after a £143,000 refurbishment.

The facilities have been re-surfaced and access improved, while two new 'mini courts' have been incorporated to the site to help train younger players.

It comes after a £107,000 grant from the Lawn Tennis Association.

The council paid for the remaining £36,000 out of money it received for leasing sports ground Drapers Field in Leyton for use by London 2012 bosses as an Olympic holding and storage area this year.

Mr Campbell attended to represent his 'Kids Go Live' project, which aims to encourage children in inner-city areas to watch and be inspired by live sporting events.

Council leader Chris Robbins, who also attended the opening on Tuesday (July 24) said: “This is a great boost for local people whether they use the courts for an occasional knockabout or have their sights set on Wimbledon."


Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter


Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Facebook