Frinton Tennis Club officials are praying for dry weather as the clock ticks towards their first tournament of the summer.

The prestigious Holland Road courts are under water - due to recent heavy rain - and have not been used since May 24.

There is only just over a month until the first competition in the summer schedule - the Frinton International Veterans from July 7 to 12.

And club manager Kim Willetts told the Gazette: "It's too early to say whether the rain will be a problem but we're certainly keeping our fingers crossed that we get some dry weather.

"The last flooding we had on this scale was back in 2000, when the water came right up to the clubhouse.

"We had to make a massive insurance claim but hadn't had any more problems until now.

"The water is just sitting there and it's a real dilemma.

"Our grass courts are what we're all about - it's our business and, pardon the pun, it keeps us afloat."

The situation had been improving until more torrential rain on Monday.

Meanwhile, aside from the weather situation, club officials are looking forward to a feast of tennis during the summer.

The Frinton International Veterans attracts players from all over the world and is currently in its 33rd year.

There will be singles and doubles competitions with the age brackets going right up to 80+.

"There will be around 200 veterans taking part," added Willetts.

"And that will include the usual mix of very good players.

"It should be a very good way to kick-off an exciting summer of tennis."

Next up after that is the men's $15K and ladies' $10K futures' event - attracting top-600 players in the world - from July 13 to 19.

And then comes the Frinton Junior Open (August 11 to 16) and Junior American Tournaments.