TENDRING Volleyball Club are celebrating a promotion and silverware double to put the gloss on their best-ever season.

The Frinton-based club are heading up to the men's Super League and have also been crowned National Shield champions, after a one-sided final against Nasze UK Intervolley Manchester at the National Volleyball Centre on Sunday.

They received news of their promotion on Saturday.

Having finishing as runners-up in National League division one, they had been due to compete in a promotion play-off against Newcastle Staffs on May 11.

However, Southampton have decided to pull out of the elite division so both sides were given the opportunity to be part of next season's Super League instead.

Twenty-four hours later, on Sunday, Tendring were celebrating again after romping to a 3-0 victory against Manchester, in Kettering.

"It was an amazing weekend - the perfect way to finish what had already been our best-ever season," said proud chairman Alex Porter.

"Our women's team had already been crowned Super League champions and then we got an email about the men's team on Friday afternoon.

"Southampton's decision means both of the sides that had been due to meet in the play-off can go up, if they want to.

"Naturally, it's an opportunity we jumped at and it's great that the volleyball gods were smiling on us.

"It means we're only the sixth team in the country to have both men's and women's teams in their respective Super Leagues.

"That's an incredible achievement and just goes to show that our partnership with Tendring Technology College and Essex University is really paying off. It gives young players a clear pathway."

Tendring were always in control during Sunday's Shield final against Manchester.

They won in straight sets - 25-8, 25-22, 25-16.

"The boys have got so much confidence and it really showed in their performance," added Porter.

"We absolutely dominated and it was the quickest game on finals weekend.

"The boys controlled things from start to finish and never looked like they were going to drop a set.

"They believe in each other and see every single point as an opportunity - not a threat.

"It was the perfect way to finish the season and now we're looking forward to a break, ready to recharge our batteries before next season."