A VILLAGE sports club hosted a colourful fundraiser steeped in culture last weekend in a bid to realise the vision of their former coach, who died of cancer.

Earls Colne Tennis Club organised an evening of exotic entertainment and vibrant cuisine, featuring traditional Indian dancing and food, to raise money for a new clubhouse.

Coach Dave Birks spent many years campaigning for a new clubhouse where players, parents and trainers could relax when in during their downtime away from the court.

But Mr Birks, who worked at the club for eight years, sadly lost his battle with cancer last May, aged 52, before he could fulfil his dream of revamping the ageing building.

Club members and new coach Tommy Littlewood are now determined to achieve what Mr Birks so desperately wanted in his memory.

They need to raise £12,000 to pay for the cost of demolishing the existing meeting place and replacing it with a new building.

Tommy said: “We are very determined to make Dave’s dream a reality and we are hoping the clubhouse can be started by next September.

“We already have plans drawn up and we have so far raised £7,000, so we are more than halfway there.”

The fundraising evening included Indian dancer Shrimathi Susanna, alongside her colleagues and students, who performed an array of authentic south Indian dance routines.

The food was supplied by Halstead’s Cinnamon Tree Indian restaurant and local musician Harry Stanhope also be performed on the night.

All proceeds from the event have gone towards the new clubhouse.

To donate to the appeal, visit gofundme.com/tennis-club-house.