Couples and strangers took to the tennis courts to spend their Valentines Day, to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

A substantial amount of money was raised for the charity at the event which took place at the East Anglia Tennis and Squash Club.

The club brought people together for the 'Play Your Heart Out' mixed doubles tennis tournament in which 28 club members took part.

In the evening, over 50 people attended a party at the tennis and squash club, where food and drink was on offer, as well as live music from band 'The Fools Moon.'

Eric Dinar, assistant manager at the Norwich British Heart Foundation branch, said: 'I am really happy with how the event played out, both parts were a huge success and we raised a substantial amount of money.

'In the past we have found it hard to think of ideas to raise money for Valentines Day, but one day while playing tennis at the club it sprung to my mind that a mixed doubles tennis championship would be a great way to bring people together on Valentine's Day.

'It was particularly good to see a man who I know who returned back to the tennis club, who previously had a heart attack there while playing.'

The organisers of the event made trophies for the tournament winners and medals for the pair that came second.

After opening the tennis tournament, the Norwich Sheriff returned in time for the tennis club's party where he made a speech about the Heart Foundation.

Mr Dinar, said: 'The Norwich Sheriff came back for the party in the evening and despite promising only to be there for 30 minutes, he and his wife stayed until it finished at midnight which was extremely nice, and he and his wife were a pleasure.'

The tennis club will be hosting 'Fete De La Musique' as part of Bipolar UK on the evening of June 21.

Is your club holding any events? Email kieran.lynch@archant.co.uk