Youngsters get tennis boost

Youngsters from Willows First School in Lancing have benefited from the training sessions over the last two terms after teacher Sam Willis applied for the grant from Adur Council to help buy equipment, rackets, balls and playground courts.

She said: "Mini tennis is a great sport for this age. It gives them a chance to access tennis and learn the necessary skills.

"It's wonderful when the children tell you they are playing tennis outside school and enjoying the game."

The coaching sessions will continue in September when the children go back to school. There will also be trips to Eastbourne for more specialist training.

The council's sports development officer, Andy Wright, said: "This is a great initiative from a very enthusiastic teacher and the children are really getting the tennis bug. It's good to start the children young and see them develop their talent."