A TOTAL of 1,100 local children competed in the summer festival of tennis at Totton & Eling Tennis Centre.

Every child from Abbotswood Junior, Oakfield Primary and Calmore Junior Schools played in a massive schools tournament based at the centre over a four-day period.

The three participating schools helped divide them into age groups and up to 60 were able to play every hour.

The staff bussed the children to and from the tennis centre throughout the tournaments.

Centre development director Christine Wheeler-Osman commented: "Our main goals were to ensure a positive experience for all participants and that as many children as possible developed an interest in tennis.

"Because we work so closely with the schools involved and have provided every child with curriculum-time coaching, the standard of play witnessed during the tournaments was incredibly high.

"We were particularly encouraged by how many non-tennis-playing children took home winners certificates."

Dave Bessant, Community Link Teacher at Abbotswood Junior School, who works closely with local sports clubs such as the Totton & Eling Tennis Centre, said: "It has been truly wonderful to see over 1000 children having the opportunity to compete at tennis at their local club.

"As a result of the event, so many children have been inspired by tennis and my thanks go out to all of the schools involved as well as Totton & Eling Tennis Centre for making the tournaments such a success."

More is available about the Totton & Eling Tennis Centre on the Internet at www.tennis-service.net.