The Athenaeum Lawn Tennis Club in Redbridge has been forced to close due to rising costs and an inability to attract new players.

The members and volunteers who ran the club, which dates back more than 80 years, took the decision to close the club and liquidate its assets - and chose to donate the proceeds of the sale of the property to support local tennis clubs.

Charitable trust Redbridge Sports Centre was the main beneficiary and received a donation of £490,000.

Athenaeum honorary treasurer Roger Hughman said: "It is a very sad time for everyone connected with the club, but we know that Redbridge Sports Centre is an accessible and sustainable provider of tennis facilities and they will be able to use the money for the benefit of tennis locally.

"Long term viability was one of the key factors in our decision. Sadly we feel that many small tennis facilities will go the same way as the Athenaeum."

Redbridge Sports Centre chief executive Ken Leggate said: "We are sad to see the loss of Athenaeum Tennis Club but are most grateful for the very generous donation we have received from the residual members of the club.

"This will allow us to extend our community outreach programme and strengthen our future provision."

Redbridge Sports Centre is home to Essex Lawn Tennis Association and has been selected as a potential training venue for the London 2012 Olympics.