A COMMUNITY tennis programme has been hailed for tackling anti-social behaviour.

Livewire's Streetsports sessions, which have been run in Padgate for the past 18 months, have been handed the Cheshire Lawn Tennis Association's Community and Parks Project of the Year Award for 2020.

Other activities have included archery, football and arcade games.

A 'chill out' zone has also been set up as part of the scheme, which is open to all ages and supported by the LTA, charity Streetgames and Clarion Housing.

Livewire outreach officer Paul Flannery said: "Livewire is delighted to be awarded the Cheshire LTA Parks and Communities Award.

"This award is great acknowledgement for the hard work our coaches have put into these sessions.

"They have gone above and beyond, making sessions fun, inclusive and engaging.

"These sessions are now embedded in these communities and have made a very positive impact among families locally.”

The drop-in classes take place on Tuesday from 5pm off Valiant Close, with further sessions held at Orford Park at 6pm.

Liz Sweeting, LTA councillor for Cheshire, added: “The project really impressed the panel by creating a safe environment where young people could have fun but where they felt they could also open up, especially during such a difficult time.

“They provided families with somewhere safe to go, a healthy meal and the opportunity to have fun.

"Sessions were engaging, creative and inspiring, so much so that the youngsters kept coming back each week.

"Young people were able to relax and forget the pressures of Covid, and this must have been a huge boost to the wellbeing of those involved.

"Many congratulations to the team for their well-deserved award.”