Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club have found a new sponsor for their premier grass-court tennis tournament.

Law firm Kirbys have confirmed their support of the Aegon GB Pro-Series event, which attracts competitors from all over the globe.

The leading northern law firm have replaced Guiseley-based insurance brokers JM Glendinning as overall backers for the tournament, which runs from July 7-13.

Several of the competitors will come to Ilkley on the back of playing at Wimbledon and will be aiming to win the coveted world-ranking points and, if possible, the title.

Entries in recent years have included US Open junior champion Oliver Golding and Davis Cup star Dan Evans, who inspired Great Britain to victory over Russia from a 2-0 deficit in April.

The tournament at Ilkley, which is part of a package of high-quality action, will be known as the Kirbys’ International Tennis Festival.

In addition to the Aegon GB Pro-Series, there will also be a schools’ event, the well-established Search for a Star coaching day, a mini-tennis tournament and a wheelchair event, which will be held later in the year.

Tournament director Caroline Buncall said: “We are delighted to have the support of local firm Kirbys, who have offices in Harrogate and a strong presence in Ilkley, and we hope they will enjoy the high standard of tennis synonymous with this event.”

Amanda Lee, partner and private client specialist at Kirbys, said: “We are keen to give something back to the local community by sponsoring the north’s premier grass-court event and we’re delighted to be able to support this year’s Aegon GB Pro-Series in Ilkley.”

Alison Gray, partner and family law specialist, added: “In particular we are keen to be supporting many of the grass-roots events taking place during the tennis festival, many of which involve local schools and young people.

“We look forward to watching a fantastic standard of tennis throughout the international men’s week.”

Entry to watch the Aegon GB Pro Series Ilkley event is free and the club hope to attract a large number of spectators to watch the action.

For further information on participating in the schools’, mini-tennis and Search for a Star events (for those aged ten and under) contact the club at www.iltsc.co.uk or call 01943-607182.