Lewis School Pengam’s head of PE has said the school’s recent LTA Tennis Awards recognition is merely a reminder of the need to continue improving.

The comprehensive school won the Education Award for the Wales region.

Gareth Richards, 39, took over as head of department around five years ago and has helped oversee the expansion of tennis provision at the school, balancing team sports with the introduction of an individual game which continues to grow in popularity year on year.

And while the LTA Awards recognition was a considerable source of pride for Richards, he insists that his school is far from the finished article.

He said: “We feel very proud to have won an award – we are grateful that the work has been recognised.

“But we are also mindful that work needs to be consistent for its growth to continue.

“We feel the award is a recognition of the work from our tennis leaders as much as staff who ran many sessions and the launch days.

“We made tennis a real focus for us in the summer but have looked to develop its provision as part of a whole year and not just a few months in the summer.

“From a personal perspective I have always been keen on playing and watching tennis, from taking part in local school competitions in the 1990s to the present where we enjoy a game with staff.”

Successful regional winners will now progress through to the LTA’s national finals in each of their respective categories, with Lewis School Pengam set to go up against schools from across the UK.

LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd said: “These awards acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of the individuals and venues that help us open tennis up, bringing new fans and players to our sport.

“Now more than ever, it is important we celebrate their contributions and hope that tennis can rally together to get through this very challenging time.”

For more information about the work the LTA is doing to grow tennis across the country, visit LTA.org.uk.