AS Wimbledon tennis fever continues to build toward its exciting climax in south-west London this weekend, charity fundraisers have already smashed their £2,400 fundraising target for family support charity Home-Start Winchester.

Eighty tennis players enjoyed a hectic morning of matches on courts in Winchester, Cheriton, Bramdean, Old Alresford, Swanmore and Upham, followed by a picnic lunch in the walled garden at Lane End Farm in Owslebury, courtesy of Sue and David Elton.

Players settled in the sunshine on their rugs and picnic chairs and, after a glass of prosecco, enjoyed a two-course lunch provided by Jo Tyler and her team. Ladies were also able to shop for tennis gear, jewellery, Italian handbags and beauty products.

The event was sponsored by Simon Brown, of IVC in Alresford, who came along for lunch.

“We are so grateful to Simon for his continued sponsorship of this event,” said Home-Start chairman Liz Cooper, “and the money we raise will support our work with young families in the Winchester area.”

The charity supports families who are experiencing isolation, low self-esteem, disability or mental health issues, bereavement, lack of parenting skills, or the challenge of multiple births.

The charity’s 35 volunteers work alongside parents in their own homes to help raise self-confidence and their ability to cope.