Age is no barrier to having fun on the tennis court...
It's long been said that tennis is for everyone, regardless of age. And that's certainly the message from Tennis Shropshire trustee Jilly Broadbent, who continues to play up to four times each week after celebrating her 80th birthday last month.
Jilly loves the time she spends on court as much now as she ever has - and she's keen for more people of a similar age to experience the same pleasure she enjoys from picking up a racket.
“There are loads of us out there, women and men, late 70s, early 80s, who are all playing the game,” said Jilly, a former Tennis Shropshire president.
“I play three or four times a week and I'm a member of Lilleshall Village Tennis Club, Shifnal Tennis Club and David Lloyd Shrewsbury.
“The best thing is that I can still do it - I feel that I'm still learning and the game has changed over the years.
"The other people I play with are terrific. They're interested in playing a match, and winning obviously, but also improving their own game and having fun. It's an absolute pleasure and a joy to play with them.”
Shropshire has so many excellent tennis clubs and venues that are guaranteed to provide a warm welcome to tennis players of all ages, including newcomers to the sport.
Jilly, who also plays for Shropshire's over-75s ladies team, suggested that walking tennis is also an ideal introduction to the game for people who perhaps haven't picked up a racket before.
“They're fine if they want to give it a try and they would be supported by anybody at their local club or wherever it is they are able to pick up a racket,” she added.
“Maybe it might be best to do it fairly gently to begin with depending at what point people are starting to play.
"Merill Holt runs a walking tennis club at Shifnal Tennis Club, with similar clubs held elsewhere at tennis clubs across the county.”
Almost inevitably, tennis played a big part in Jilly's recent 80th birthday celebrations, with her son presenting her with a lifesize cardboard cut-out of Novak Djokovic, her favourite tennis player.
"I'm devoted to him,” smiled Jilly. “It can be quite a lonely place being a Djokovic supporter, but I just think he's the most exciting player I've ever seen on a court, the most committed, and I think he's absolutely amazing.
"I love watching him play - and I get very nervous on his behalf!”
You can find your local Shropshire tennis club by clicking here
Pictured: Jilly Broadbent was presented with a lifesize cardboard cut-out of Novak Djokovic, her favourite tennis player, on her 80th birthday last month.