Tennis is a big hit with youngsters

Coun Lily Henderson (back centre) and coach John Cain (back right) with children and parents at the Highfield Park tennis sessions

Children who attended summer classes on Highfield Road Park have been presented with certificates to celebrate their achievements by coach John Cain.

From this Thursday the sessions move indoors to South Shore Tennis Club on Midgeland Road, and potential new young players are invited to join the scheme funded by Highfield councillors Lily Henderson and Peter Hunter through their ward budget. They have allocated nearly £1,600 towards the sessions this year and going into 2017, in order to give children chance to play tennis who might not otherwise pick up a racket.

Coun Henderson said: “We are in our fourth year now and it is tremendous to see the children enjoying playing tennis.

“It is a great sport but many youngsters would not get the chance to play if it was not for these sessions.

“Following on from the success of the scheme I have had talks with the Lawn Tennis Association and it would be lovely if they could put some of their funds into supporting tennis in Blackpool as well.

“We’re continuing in the winter using the indoor court and more children are welcome to come along and join us.”

Sessions start from Thursday, for seven to nine-year-olds between 4pm and 4.45pm, and 10 to 11-year-olds from 4.45pm until 5.25pm.

They must be accompanied by an adult.