MP Jack Straw took to the courts to demonstrate how a local tennis club is helping community cohesion.

The Jusice Minister and Blackburn MP picked up a racket and joined youngsters to hit a few balls around at the Crosshill Tennis Club, Crosshill Road, Blackburn.

The club, which was re-founded five years ago by a group of local residents, has around 120 members aged five to- 80.

Last year Mr Straw was invited to the private members club to celebrate it receiving a community cohesion grant - but rain stopped play.

Club secretary Ann Higginson said: "This is a perfect community club but we are hampered by three things - money, no-one knowing where we are and the weather.

"The grant has helped us out, and Mr Straw's visit will give us some publicity but as we are open courts there isn't much we can do about the rain."

She added: "The club is a hidden gem. We are owned by both Asian and white local residents and this helps bring all members of the community together - and keeps them fit and healthy too."

Young player Sameen Hamid, 14, from Urban Place, said: "I really enjoy coming here and I feel I have achieved quite a lot on the court.

"It makes me proud that I can hit the ball now! I would like to see more girls here and I have been trying to encourage my friends to come."

Kyle Richman, 14, from Mill Hill, said: "It's a great club and I have lots of friends here.

"Playing tennis keeps me fit and it's not that far from my home."

Bill Pickup, 86, was captain of the club's tennis team in 1953. He said: "I don't think that much has changed over the years. It was a great place for the residents to come and socialise all those years ago as well. We all used to come down here, have a game and a bit of tea and people can still do that now."

Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: "This club is an excellent example of community self-help because five of the residents own it.

"One woman said to me that when she started coming here in the 1980s it was a very white middle class thing to do, but now tennis is classless and the club has members of mixed ethnic backgrounds - which is great."

Mr Straw used to live in Crosshill Road when he first moved to Blackburn.

He added: "I was only dimly aware of the club. It is a wonderful secret.

"I used to play quite a bit in the 70s but then the children came along and I lapsed a bit - I don't think I'm that good any more."

For more information about the club call Mrs Higginson on 01254 57096.