Brighton Parks played the generation game to lift the Sussex Winter League division one title.

Lyn Paterson replaced injured daughter Lorraine in the squad as she helped guide them to an unbeaten season.

Manager Lyn said: "Poor Lorraine ruptured her Achilles and wasn't available so I thought I'd step in to the squad to help out when needed, which I was occasionally.

"Fortunately the season worked out well. If I was Sir Alex Ferguson talking about a title win I'd probably say my team had talent and worked hard.

"But as for our secret goodness only knows! Well, come to think of it, I believe it is down to having a fairly regular line up and a bit of strength in depth. We had three players (Ghislaine Mewett, Helen Mitchell and Juliette Seaton) who were available most of the time.

"Often that can be a problem with sickness, holidays and other commitments, but not this winter.

"But even when Ghislaine and myself went down ill we brought in two players from our second team and managed to carry on winning."

Lyn sees it as an indication that parks tennis is in fine fettle at her club's Queen's Park headquarters.

She said: "We've got courts and a pavilion run by the council, which we share with other users, unlike private clubs. But it is a very high standard, a fact that often surprises people.

"We produce county players like Ghislaine, Helen, Juliette and my daughter. We have a reasonable system in place."

Lyn intends to take a back seat as Brighton Parks launch their Sussex Summer League season.

She said: "Hopefully my daughter will be fit for it."

Parks finished four points clear of Horsham with Hampden Park (Eastbourne) third. Chichester I and II were relegated.

East Grinstead, who also play in the National League, have been declared men's division one champions, overhauling rivals Southdown (Lewes) following victory against Hampden Park (Eastbourne). Comptons (Horsham) were demoted with Hampden Park. More than 1,000 took part in the league which involved 17 ladies and 18 men's divisions.

The league was extended into April because of poor weather conditions.

Organiser Nick Greenwood said: "Most of the fixtures were completed."

Other provisional champions include:

Men: Division two: Chichester. Division three: Wickwoods. Division four: West Worthing.

Division five: Angmering 2.

Division six: Pavilion and Avenue (Hove) 11. Division seven (east): Falmer. Division seven (west): East Grinstead 111. Division eight (east): Cuckfield. Division eight (west): West Worthing 111. Division nine (east): Mayfield II. Division nine (west): Henfield. Division ten (east): Hailsham II. Division ten (west): Crawley IV. Division 11 (east): Crawley V. Division 11 (west): Angmering V. Division 12: (east): Falmer II. Division 12 (west): Comptons (Horsham) III.

Ladies: Division two: Crawley. Division three: West Worthing. Division four: Horsham 11. Division five (east): Falmer. Division five (west): Wickwoods II. Division six (east): East Grinstead II. Division six (west): Storrington II. Division seven (east): Devonshire Park (Eastbourne). Division seven (west): Arundel. Division eight (east): The Green II. Division eight (west): Comptons II. Division nine (east): Cross In Hand V. Division nine (west): Pavilion and Avenue II. Division ten (east): Newick II. Division ten (west): West Worthing III. Division II (east): Falmer II.