Budding tennis stars dazzled royalty with their court skills thanks to a £500,000 sports investment.

The Duchess of Gloucester, honorary president of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), officially opened three new indoor tennis courts yesterday.

National league players Tom Pocock, James Cuthell, Max Jones and Miles Bugby, who train at West Worthing Tennis and Squash Club, played several sets to show off the newly-built facility to the Duchess, Mayor of Worthing James Doyle and Worthing West MP Peter Bottomley.

The club, formed 117 years ago, is one of the oldest in the country.

For 10 years, its members have been trying to get indoor facilities at the Titnore Way site. The LTA approved the club's bid for £500,000 funding and a huge structure to house the three courts was completed ten months ago.

Coach Stephen Law, said: "With these courts we can do better quality work because the conditions are always ideal. In the open we are vulnerable to extremes of weather, which can discourage youngsters.

"The club's good reputation and these courts help with retention of players, which is important."

The royal reception was packed with club members eager to greet the prestigious visitor.

Mr Bottomley said: "The courts are fabulous and they are going to provide lots of fun for people of all ages and all stages of sporting ability."