A woman is hoping to serve up a fundraising ace - as she climbs Mount Snowdown to help raise money for a new tennis court.

Thirza Hicks is driving a fundraiser as part of plans to enhance the sporting facilities in Necton by building tennis courts. The plan is to construct the courts on Necton Playing Field as an all-year-round facility that can be enjoyed by all ages.

The villager has already begun the fundraising process with around £8,500 secured for the project which could cost around £45,000.

The latest phase of fundraising will see her with husband Carl and children Leyton, 10 and Amara, 8, embark on a sponsored climb to the top of Mount Snowdon in Wales on May 31.

She has already been pledged £1,000 for the attempt and is looking for further sponsorship to boost that.

“The village is growing rapidly and needs more sporting facilities, especially for girls,” Mrs Hicks said.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Thirza with husband Carl and daughter Amara with tennis rackets Thirza with husband Carl and daughter Amara with tennis rackets (Image: Submitted)

“We are looking at local companies who can assist with materials, fundraising or support financially in exchange for advertising on the finished court. Eventually, we would like to create a tennis club to secure lessons for both children and adults.”

The villager pointed to research from Sports England, which shows that tennis is a growing sport for both adults and children and around half of children who play tennis are female.

As an admirer of tennis star Andy Murray’s mum Judy, she believes a tennis court will be a positive addition to the sporting facilities available in Necton, but the project will rely heavily on fundraising and grants.

The £8,500 raised so far has come from bingo and quiz nights and pledges from local companies. POS Engineering Norfolk Ltd, for example, has offered to support with the required fencing.

Anyone interested in supporting Thirza Hicks in her sponsored climb of Snowdon, or offering help towards the tennis courts for Necton, can contact her on thirza1@gmail.com or donate at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thirza-hicks?utm_term=8KKX23qar