Shropshire's Cathie Sabin appointed first female President of Lawn Tennis Association

The vice-president, who lives in Much Wenlock and is a member of Bridgnorth Tennis Club, replaces the outgoing figurehead Peter Bretherton.

A player for the Shropshire senior team for many years, Sabin was sworn in at the LTA's annual general meeting at the Roehampton National Tennis Centre in London.

"It's a huge honour for me to take up this new role at what is a very exciting time for British tennis," said Sabin.

"I'm passionate about improving opportunities within this great sport, with a particular emphasis on supporting young people and volunteers, and very much look forward to the challenges that lie ahead."

Sabin, who will work closely with new chief executive Michael Downey when he joins the organisation next month, pledged to keep pushing to improve participation levels in the sport across all levels.

She added: "I'm really looking forward to working with you all and coming out around the regions to visit your teams.

Bretherton backed Sabin to serve British tennis well.

"Cathie's qualities, know-how and experience make her eminently qualified for this role," he said.

"And with her at the helm for the next three years, British tennis is in good hands."

A schoolteacher by profession, Sabin is a former assistant head of a specialist sports college in the county and national Tennis Teacher of the Year.

She was also one of the original members of the Education and Young People Committee at the LTA.

Sabin was elected LTA deputy president in December 2010 and is a member of the main board of Lawn Tennis Limited.

She is a qualified referee, actively involved in county tennis as past president while playing for the county and being director of the Junior County Closed.

Sabin is also a member of the LTA child protection committee, the LTA equality diversity and inclusion committee and is chairman of the Tennis Foundation Education Advisory group.

Interested in all sports, playing netball, cricket, hockey and lacrosse, as well as tennis, Sabin chaired the Shropshire Management Committee and co-ordinated the county closed championships for many years.

Eager to promote opportunities for young people, she has trained many ball crew teams for nationals and pro-series events.

A founder trustee of the William Penny Brookes Foundation, promoting cultural and sporting opportunities for young people, Sabin is a trustee of the Tennis Foundation and chair of the Education Advisory Group.

She was elected to the LTA Council in 2000, has served on a number of committees and was elected deputy president in 2010.

Locally, Sabin re-opened Bridgnorth's tennis courts after a £40,000 refurbishment in May 2012.

At the ceremony, Sabin showed her gratitude to the LTA and former colleague Bretherton.

"Thank you so much, and I would also like to thank Peter for his support and guidance over the last three years," she said.

Meanwhile, Bretherton said the LTA is indebted to former chief executive Roger Draper as he stepped down after his three-year term of office.

Draper came under fire when his £640,000 salary was revealed in the 2012 annual financial report.

He stepped down from his role in September and will be replaced by head of Tennis Canada Downey in January.

"During his watch the organisation was transformed," he said.

"He introduced the British tennis membership scheme, and was instrumental in the professionalisation of the talent identification scheme.

"British tennis owes Roger an enormous debt of gratitude."