YORK Tennis Club celebrated its 50th birthday with a doubles game between four founding members.

Club president John Scott and former chairman John Linfoot linked up with Margaret Waugh and Rosemary Littlefair to play a short set on the courts at Clifton Park.

The quartet, whose average age is 82, still play regularly and were joined by dozens of other members to herald the start of the new season.

"Searches of their attics recovered dusty, wooden rackets, long since discarded in favour of more modern equipment," said club spokesman Bob Audsley. "These, and their racket presses, were brought along as a reminder of bygone days.

"A closely fought short set, containing lots of good shots and spirited play, ended as a draw with no injuries sustained and with impeccable court behaviour in evidence throughout," he added.

The club has recently launched a new website www.yorktennisclub.net where details on membership and playing times are available.