Deal Parochial Church of England Primary School have been named School of the Year at the national Lawn Tennis Association Awards.

The school made the shortlist after county and regional LTA awards success and were among 17 national winners honouring those involved in grassroots, county, regional and national tennis.

The school were announced as the winner by British tennis player and LTA Youth Ambassador, Paul Jubb at a live-streamed awards ceremony presented by LTA president David Rawlinson and hosted by the LTA’s head of men’s tennis, Leon Smith.

"We are thrilled and honoured that Deal Parochial Primary School has won School of the Year at the national finals of the LTA Tennis Awards for 2022," the school said.

"This is wonderful recognition of our inclusive, year-round tennis programme, which continually thrives thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of our children, parents and staff."

Deal Parochial have made outstanding efforts to provide pupils with extra-curricular opportunities to play, with inclusive sessions since 2016.

They worked tirelessly to make sure opportunities were there despite lockdown in early 2021 and the weekly offering of sessions was doubled when pupils returned to class, benefiting around 200 youngsters.

Ten pupils represented the school at the National Junior Summer League, while several members of staff attended LTA teacher training to boost the quality of lessons provided.

Rawlinson said: “The LTA Tennis Awards are a real celebration of the people that make our sport thrive.

"They acknowledge the achievements made by outstanding volunteers, coaches, officials, venues and players, who are all vital in helping us to grow the game.

"The outstanding contributions the nominees have made to the sport and to their communities has been tremendously uplifting and I would like to thank them for their fantastic work.”