AN 84-year-old retired banker has been recognised at Wimbledon for his outstanding contribution to tennis in Nantwich.

Ron Smith, who has volunteered with Nantwich Tennis Club for 27 years, received the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Meritorious Award from Martin Corrie, president of the LTA, and David Rawlinson, deputy president, at the world famous courts.

He enjoyed lunch and afternoon tea in the President’s Suite, and also had the opportunity to watch Andy Murray, Johanna Konta and Rafael Nadal on day three of the championships.

“They presented me with a small plate with my name and the date on,” said Ron.

“Along with the sunshine and a lovely lunch in hospitality it was absolutely first class.”

Ron’s new accolade came on the back of Cheshire LTA awarding him a Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2016 for his contribution to tennis.

Since 1990, he has contributed to several improvements at the club, including raising money for new floodlit courts and negotiating the purchase of land from Cheshire East Council.

Ron said: “It’s been a bit of a journey to develop the six fully-floodlit courts we have at Nantwich today. We now have two different court surfaces at the club.

“We used to have a shed back in the 1980s and now we also have a brick clubhouse which is lovely after matches in the summer.”

Ron, who has lived in Nantwich since 1976, started playing tennis in the 1950s and still plays every Friday.

“I have slowed down a bit now but still play once a week as well as helping organise players at our regular club nights,” he added.