Question Time host David Dimbleby has been given the go-ahead for a private tennis court at his £1.5 million Sussex mansion.

The TV presenter told planners the court would help cut his carbon footprint because he would no longer be forced to drive to venues in nearby Lewes.

The 71-year-old veteran BBC news-man missed last week s show for the first time in 15 years after being knocked out by a bullock at his small-holding near Polegate.

The father-of-four will soon be practising his serve after planners gave him the goahead for the minimum Lawn Tennis Association size court.

Planning agent Bill Kear said the facility would be solely for private recreational use.

Wealden District Council gave the scheme the go-ahead after no objections were raised by neighbours.

Kelvin Williams, head of planning, said: "The proposed tennis court is of suitable scale and form so that it does not detract from the setting of landscape character of the Area of Outstanding Beauty."

Last month, Mr Dimbleby was also given the goahead for a horse riding arena at his home.

Earlier this year, Mr Dimbleby launched a scathing attack on developer Pelham Holdings, which wants to build more than 500 homes close to his home.

He accused Pelham Holdings of vandalism and said council planners would be responsible for an act of devastation if they gave the goahead.