An ace way is served up to enjoy tennis

The NHS recommends that for an adult to stay healthy they should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity a week.

For adults with physical and learning disabilities the chances to participate in this sort of activity are limited due to the lack of specific programmes currently in place.

But now ‘The Tennis Aces’ is hoping to combat this issue by bringing tennis to adults in East Dunbartonshire with disabilities.

The programme is based at Lenzie Tennis Club and is lead by local coach Allwyn Crawford.

The project has funding available for two years after a successful grant application submitted to the ‘Keys to Life’ fund at the end of 2015.

The team behind the project consists of The Advisory Group, Caertas Advocacy, East Dunbartonshire Council, Active Schools, Tennis Scotland and Lenzie Tennis Club.

The programme is advertised in blocks with applicants signing up to whatever date they wish to attend.

Coach Allwyn Crawford said: “Coming along to a tennis aces session is an experience that is much more than learning about the game of tennis, it is a session that allows people to make friends in a fun, friendly and safe environment.

“Seeing the progress participants have made from the first week to the time of writing this, it is remarkable and just shows the dedication the team behind the project has.

The programme is now looking to expand and start a “junior aces” section which would be available to people under the age of 16.

This just shows the ambition the club has with reaching as many people as possible.

Going forward I can see this programme progressing into something truly special and changing a number of lives - and long may this continue.”