PLAYERS and spectators who haven't been to Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club since last summer will notice a vast difference when they walk through the gates for the AEGON Ilkley Trophy, which starts this weekend.

Let's just say that it is easier to say what hasn't changed, rather than what has in the club's £2.4 million refurbishment that has been financed by the Lawn Tennis Association, Sport England and club members.

"We have a new clubhouse, a new entrance, a new gymnasium, two new fitness studios, a refurbished car park and driveway, a new club layout, an extended cafe bar and furniture," said the club's general manager Charlie Maunder.

"And all this has been built in the wettest winter we have had in 30 years. We have had to evacuate the club three times due to flooding, and the work should have been finished at the end of April but we actually finished at the end of May."

Marcus Whitehead, health and fitness manager at the club, says: "We have some of the best facilities in Yorkshire and the view though the glass of the Cow and Calf and the Wharfe Valley is simply magnificent."

Ilkley LT&SC have also received help from the LTA in terms of inflatable court covers as part of a £65,000 investment.

Maunder added: "It includes concrete ringbeams, onto which the covers are clipped.

"Last year we only had flat covers but the inflatable ones will surround our two main courts – Centre and No 1 – and not only does it mean that they should be ready for play more quickly after rain, but we can also get under them and mow the grass if we need to."

Qualifying for the men's 42,5000 euros ATP Challenger starts on Saturday (11am) and finishes on Monday, while qualifying for the $50,000 ITF Women's Pro Circuit tournament begins on Sunday (11am) and finishes on Tuesday.

Women's wild cards have already been awarded to Ashleigh Barty (Australia) and Freya Christie (Great Britain).

The tournament finishes a week on Sunday, while another major attraction will be the Davis Cup itself, held by Great Britain, which will be on show at the Stourton Road venue all day next Thursday and until 1.30pm on Friday before switching to Ilkley Lido (3.30pm-5.30pm).

Meanwhile, there will be the opportunity to play and be coached for free by ILTSC staff in Great British Tennis Weekend events this Saturday at Pool-in-Wharfedale and Cross Hills tennis clubs, on Sunday and Thursday at ILTSC and next Friday at Ilkley Lido's tennis courts.

Rackets and balls will be provided.