CHARLIE Maunder is hoping that he can be a lucky charm during next week's Aegon Ilkley Trophy.

Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club's general manager said ahead of the biggest tournament to be held in Yorkshire: "It rained for three days in Manchester last week but when I went to the tournament I got sunburnt!"

Maunder is hoping that the weather holds for next week's 42,500 euros ATP Men's Challenger and the $50,000 ITF Women's Pro Circuit Tournament, which are both being held at his club.

He said: "We have had seven truckloads delivering stuff at the same time, so it has been hectic, but the courts are looking good.

"We are putting up four grandstands – two for the Centre Court to hold about 400 and one for No 1 Court and No 6 Court, which each hold 100.

"We have also been putting up all the six-foot blue canvas surrounds and courtside advertising, and we even have courtside fridges and PA systems. There is also a large marquee which splits into four sections."

Maunder added: "We are using the top two tiers of courts – eight for the matches and four for practice – while 140 volunteers, who will be performing various functions, will be helping the tournament to go with a swing."

Also people can try tennis for free either at the club or at Ilkley Lido as part of the Great British Tennis Weekend – the LTA and Tennis Foundation's drive to get more people playing more often.

Other clubs taking part are Cross Hills, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Heaton and Saltaire.