TWO Bolton tennis players have helped an England team win the European Senior Club Championships over-60s in Spain for the first time.

The five-strong North West team was captained by Phil Shacklady, from Markland Hill Racquets Club, and included Martin Robinson from Lostock Tennis Club.

Twenty years ago, Shacklady was invited by South Ribble Tennis Academy to organise and captain an over-45s team for the National Inter-club Knockout Competition.

The team has entered the event almost every year since then and reached the national finals six times, winning it twice.

All national finalists are invited to enter the European Seniors’ competition with money provided to help with their trip.

Over the years, the team has been to Barcelona, Austria, Italy, Portugal and Spain's La Manga twice.

Last November the side – which also includes Mark Connelly and Steve Wilkinson from Alkrington TC, and Roy Whitehouse, from David Lloyd, Chorley – beat opponents from Purley to win the national final and qualify for the European Championships.

And once there they tasted ultimate glory when they lifted the international trophy with victory over teams from Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and Portugal with a faultless performance.

Ian Nutter from Ellesmere TC, is also part of the squad, but had to miss the trip through injury.

Shacklady said: “Having had several attempts at trying to win this competition, it was hugely rewarding and exciting to actually win the trophy.

“One of the main reasons for our success in the past has been that we have managed to stay together as a group of players.

"There is a lot of camaraderie and goodwill between us and this helps a great deal.”