A BASINGSTOKE tennis club has been forced to cancel its plans to celebrate its 90th birthday this August.

Old Basing Tennis Club (OBTC), located on Riley Lane, Old Basing, was founded in the 1930s, and in its heyday, the club had over 150 members.

The championships have been played every year since 1930, except for the duration of the second world war.

And now the club has 90 members, consisting of adults and juniors.

But because of coronavirus and strict LTA guidelines, the club will be unable to mark its 90th anniversary this month.

Basingstoke Gazette: As OBTC has remained open since June, the club has been able to take in more membersAs OBTC has remained open since June, the club has been able to take in more members

Long standing tennis member, Penny Luke, from Basingstoke, said: "It's disappointing to cancel plans but its no different to other clubs and societies.

"It's a shame it can't be held this year but it's not a big problem because we are still able to play tennis outside.

"We have gained new members, which is brilliant because the indoor venues have been closed, so Old Basing has been able to take in more members."

The club will now hold its 90th anniversary next year, where there will be a social evening and BBQ.

Membership costs £100 a year per adult, with reduced prices for children, students and families.

For more information, you can visit clubspark.lta.org.uk/oldbasingtennisclub.