TIM Henman may well have someone to follow in his footsteps after a South Ribble Tennis Centre unveiled it's extension plans.

Bamber Bridge Tennis Centre netted a huge cash boost after last year's courting success.

Sport England awarded a grant of £680,000, with The Lawn Tennis Association serving up the rest of the £1 million.

Earlier this year the centre was accredited by the LTA as a 'Performance Centre' in the UK.

Mike Bain, Tennis Centre manager said, "The new extension will allow us to carry on the junior focus. We already have county and regional champions, within three to five years someone from South Ribble could be playing at Wimbledon."

The grant will enable the centre to double its existing capacity, with new facilities including three additional indoor carpeted courts, a new state of the art fitness suite and new aerobics studio with sprung floor.

The Lawn Tennis Association award was due to the Junior Development Programme, with the emphasis on producing good young players.

"We have players like Ken Skupski, who reached the quarter finals of junior Wimbledon this year, without doubt there will be more players coming through," added Mike.

Additional features will include a creche/meeting room, social areas and bars.

The courts are available seven days a week for public use, coaching schemes, organised centre-based activities and special events. For more information or bookings call Mike Bain on 01772 620421.