MARK Tyrrell and Craig Loxton headed up a sensational year for Wiltshire Tennis as the pair received winning recognition at the LTA Tennis Awards.

Tyrrell - of Marshfield TC - was named the Volunteer of the Year for Wiltshire while Loxton - of Swindon Tennis Centre - was awarded coach of the year for Wiltshire.

Upon being announced as the winner, the LTA said Tyrrell showed “a great dedication to ensuring the club continues to thrive throughout the many challenges 2020 presented.”

Meanwhile, Loxton was praised for showing “fantastic teamwork and leadership skills to help the venue grow their programme substantially”.

Riverside TC (Club of the Year), Swindon Tennis Centre (Communities and Parks Award), and St Marys Calne Tennis Academy (Education Award) all celebrated being awarded the best venues in the county for tennis as well.

Unfortunately, the LTA has been unable to physically hand over the awards just yet, though the governing body says it hopes to be able to do this as soon as coronavirus restrictions ease suitably.

The winning individuals now go through to a regional judging panel with the winners announced in April. The national ceremony will be held later in the year.

Liz Bissett, Wiltshire Tennis Secretary and LTA Councillor said: “The standard of the entries was really high and we’d like to congratulate all of the winners.

“The judges had a tough job to select winners due to the overwhelming contribution made at tennis venues across the county.

“It is heartening to award those who put so much effort behind offering great opportunities for all in Wiltshire.”