As prizes go, the one on offer at Stebbing Tennis Club for an annual tournament is certainly unique - but no less coveted.

Thel mixed doubles charity tournament is affectionally known as the gnome tournament, in reference to the china gnome that is on offer to the winners.

This year 12 couples battled it out for the honour with the eventual winners being a father and daughter pair, Chris and Ashleigh Draper.

And not only was the tournament itself a triumph, played under blue skies and warm temperatures, but the whole day was declared a success as £508 was raised for charity.

The nominated recipient this year came from club member Roy Fentiman and his wife Lindsey, who chose the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

For more information on the Whitehouse Road-based club, go to www.stebbingtennisclub.co.uk