Clare Wood is ready to help brighten Sussex's year.

The mood from Chichester to Hastings, Crawley to Brighton is already upbeat going into 2001 following impressive performances in the summer and winter County Championships.

But Sussex ladies' captain Julie Dawson has revealed former British No.1 Wood, who lives near Lewes, could give the county a turbo-boost by flying the Martlets flag.

Dawson said: "It would be fantastic to have Clare involved."

Wood, who used to be based at Rustington and Brighton, works for the WTA Tour as a player liaison officer.

But she has responded to an approach from the skipper.

Dawson said: "As far as I remember I don't think Clare has played for the county before but I wrote to her and then saw her at the Samsung Open at the Brighton Centre in November and she seemed interested in playing doubles in the summer and winter championships."

Sussex, despite weakened teams, consolidated their place in Division Three in the summer and gained promotion to Division Two in the winter competition.

Dawson added: "It just shows there is a bit of depth, especially in the winter squad.

"The promotion was the first I've been involved with and it was a bit of a miracle really because we had four players drop out. The replacements all did well and it augurs well for this year especially if we can strengthen with players like Jheni Osman and Clare. We want to get into the first division in both championships."

Men's captain Richard Walmsley is confident Sussex can take another step towards Division One in the summer event at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne.

Sussex men last played Eastbourne in 1965 with Davis Cup player Pete Curtis leading the way.

But Walmsley, who hopes to call on East Preston's Martin Lee, an ATP Tour professional and former world junior No.1, feels the county can bring back the glory years.

Sussex won their league for the third year in a row when promoted to Division Three last season, before maintaining their Division Two spot in the winter.

He said: "We got that promotion without Martin, and Jon Monk and Oliver Foreman weren't around either. So the depth is developing.

"Youngsters like Tom Pocock, from Ferring, and Tom Manton are progress-ing well and we still have good experienced players in Chris Simmons, from East Grinstead and Lindon Hardisty, from Brighton.

"Hopefully this year we will have Martin back. I know he enjoys it.

"Also we might get Jake Martyn, who used to live in Chichester, over again from America where he now lives.

"We have got a good blend of youth and experience. Aiming for Division One in a couple of years is not beyond the realms of possibility."

Walmsley, county match secretary, is happy with player development overall in the county.

He said: "The future looks good at all levels with the likes of Ned Boone and others who are among the leading players in the country. We've certainly got some promising juniors."