LET there be light!

Tennis players in Wantage were beaming when they got to use new floodlights for the very first time.

Wantage Tennis Club, which officially opened its new courts at the town recreation ground in July, hosted a "big switch on" event on Wednesday night.

Both men's and ladies' teams at the club played through until 9pm – possibly the latest game of tennis ever played on a public court in Wantage.

Switching on the new floodlights was the final element of the club's big move to new facilities in the Manor Road Memorial Park.

Vice chairman Mark Rowe said: "This completes the final phase of our relocation and I am really proud to be associated with these first class facilities.

"I cannot begin to describe the excitement of the big switch on, and furthermore it's great to know that by embracing new technology we've made a big dent in our carbon footprint."

Rather than traditional halogen floodlights, the club picked low-carbon LED lights.

Mr Rowe explained: "These give several advantages, notably, the light is whiter and more even with less spillage onto the surroundings, but perhaps more importantly the running and maintenance costs are very much less than traditional halogen."

The lights, provided by Wiseman Lighting of Taunton in Somerset, were funded by grants from the Lawn Tennis Association, Vale of White Horse District Council and Wantage Town Council.

For details of how to join and enjoy the bright lights visit wantagetennisclub.co.uk