DEFENDING champions for the past two years, Simon Sheppard and Alison Armitage, finally lost their crown at this year's annual Coln Valley Mixed Doubles Tennis Tournament, held at Chedworth last Saturday.

The defeated finalists, from Ashton Keynes, went down in a closely-fought final to Paul Toomer and Amelia Tester, from Wiltshire, who took home the Speke Challenge Cup.

In the afternoon competition for the Scott-Smith Salver, Chedworth finalist Robert Baker and his sister-in-law, Nicky Amery, from Berkshire, were narrowly defeated by David Horlock and Catherine Ronan, from London.

Established 23 years ago, the tournament is a popular fixture on the local sporting calendar and raises money for the Hill & Valley Lawn Tennis Club and for the churches of Chedworth, Coln St Dennis and Coln Rogers.

This year saw 92 competitors taking part at the club and other private courts kindly loaned for the day in surrounding villages.

Stephen Scott-Smith, chairman of Hill & Valley LTC, said: "The tennis was outstanding and the atmosphere on the day really delightful.

"So many people put in a tremendous effort behind the scenes to enable everything to run smoothly.

"I would particularly like to thank those who donated courts, the caterers and, of course, all the volunteer helpers who made puddings and cakes and worked so hard in the kitchen so that everyone was fuelled for combat!"