A TENNIS tournament served up an ace day of matches for charity.

Organised by Kerry Coleman, around 70 tennis players enjoyed a hectic morning of games on courts around Winchester, raising £2,600 for Home Start Winchester and Districts.

Following play in Kilmeston, Cheriton and Upham, there was a picnic lunch in the walled garden at Lane End Farm in Owslebury, courtesy of Sue and David Elton.

Players settled in the sunshine on their rugs and picnic chairs and, after a glass of Prosecco enjoyed a two course lunch created by Jo Tyler and her team.

Ladies were also able to shop for sportswear, tennis gear and designer fashions from stallholders Six Love, Ask Sal, Spanish Steps and Emma Darlington.

The event was sponsored by Simon Brown of IVC in Alresford who came along for lunch.

“We are so grateful to Simon for his continued sponsorship of this event,” said Home-Start chairwoman Liz Cooper. “The money we raise will support our work with young families in the Winchester area.”

The charity supports families who are experiencing isolation, low self-esteem, disability or mental health issues, bereavement, lack of parenting skills or the challenge of multiple births.

The charity’s 35 volunteers work alongside parents in their own homes to help raise self-confidence and their ability to cope.