SOME of the UK's top young tennis players have been showcasing their

skills at the South Ribble Tennis And Fitness Centre this week in the

Bowker North of England Junior Tennis Championships.

The competition is one of the country's most prestigious junior tennis

events, helping to determine junior players' ranks and acting as a

pre-qualifying contest for the national finals.

This year it has attracted some of the region's most promising young

players, including nine-year-old Imran Aswat from Whittle-le-Woods, near

Preston, who is currently seeded number three in the country in the

under-10 age group.

Imran, who started playing tennis when he was just seven and trains four

days a week, was first spotted by his coach Brendan McGuir playing

against his brother at the South Ribble Tennis Centre.

Mr McGuire, who is also the head coach at the centre, said: "Imran is

only nine, but if he continues to learn and develop at the rate he has

been doing he's got a very good chance of becoming an international

junior champion."

Other regional high-flyers attracted to the tournament include Andrew

Gent and Michael Knott from Chorley, Ben Churchman from Blackpool and

Amelia Hanley from Lancaster.

In total more than 500 competitors applied to take part this year,

causing the start date to be brought forward by two days to fit everyone

in.

Mr McGuire added: "The tournament is extremely popular because there are

not many like it in the country with boys and girls of all age groups

able to take part. It's also a good venue, and competitors are well

looked after."

South Ribble Portfolio Holder for Culture and Community Services,

Councillor Bill Evans, said: "The championships form a key part of our

outreach programme which begins in April to bring tennis to a wider

audience and ensure children from all backgrounds get the chance to be

involved in sport."