PENZANCE Tennis Club will once again stage one of the biggest events in the Cornish tennis calendar.

The 62nd Penzance Open Senior Tournament is due to start on Saturday, and the organisers report a large entry.

The Open always attracts players and visitors from around the country. And according to tournament organiser Joyce Taylor there is also a strong Cornish entry this year.

The tournament will run for a week, with Finals' Day on Saturday July 30. Play begins at 10am each day and will continue into the evening.

The Penzance Open is an official LTA tournament, incorporating LTA Ratings singles for both ladies and men, ladies' and men's open doubles, open mixed doubles, handicap singles and doubles as well as veterans' events.

Claire Tresidder, from Falmouth, will be back to defend her ladies' singles title, however, there will be a different name on this year's men's singles trophy as Penzance's star player John Richards is unable to enter.

The First Service Café will be open throughout the week and spectators are welcome to come to the club in Penlee Park. Entry to the event is free.

Penzance Tennis Club's tournament committee will again run a raffle with prizes including a tennis racket, an M&S voucher, original paintings donated by local artists, free entry to Cornish gardens, meal voucher, jewellery, wine and many more.

Tickets are available now from the clubhouse but they will also be sold during the tournament. The draw will take place in the afternoon on finals' day (finals of the main events start 1pm).