THE refurbishment of a ‘dilapidated’ tennis clubhouse is almost complete.

Darwen Tennis Club, based in Sunnyhurst Lane, has received a makeover after winning a grant from the Marks and Spencer Energy Fund .

The building had holes in the floor, a lack of insulation and old fashioned facilities, all of which are currently receiving an upgrade.

The Residents of Sunnyhurst Association, a group which supports vulnerable neighbours in Darwen, often uses the facility for coffee mornings.

The M&S Energy Fund offers grants for community groups around the country who are looking to install renewable technology or energy efficiency measures.

The club has been able to install infra-red heating on ceilings and walls, which is more economical than electric heaters which were in the building before.

It comes after the venue received a £60,000 renovation in 2010 to get more children interested in the sport.

This included the revamp of two courts and was funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council and Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.