IT'S an event that seems to be loved by the nation. Even those who loathe sports and would much rather watch paint dry than a football match seem compelled to tune in to Wimbledon.

But what is it about the tournament, which runs until Friday, July 3, that gets us all in such a whirl?

Whether it's Serena Williams in a short skirt, the cry for 'new balls please', or even the impromptu warbling of Cliff Richard that gets you going - Wimbledon certainly strikes a chord, according to Brian Bebbington, secretary of Hallow Lawn Tennis Club, near Worcester.

"When Wimbledon starts, tennis usually becomes much more popular," he said. "We'll probably find in the next few weeks we'll have lots of people enquiring about membership, children especially.

"I think seeing Wimbledon makes tennis seem much more accessible for people.

"Young people, particularly boys, see that the game's not boring, it's really got something.

"I think they're probably inspired by players like Tim Henman and it makes them want to give it a try for themselves."

But don't be fooled into thinking it's easy, warned Mr Bebbington. "You have to fight hard to achieve what Tim Henman has," he said. "Tennis is not an easy game, it's not just a case of hitting a ball as hard as you can and hoping for the best, it's all about control."

The club hopes this year's Wimbledon will prove as popular as its previous years and has organised an open day on Saturday, July 16, hoping to attract new talent that's been inspired by the Andy Roddicks and Lindsay Davenports.

But what are the chances of Hallow LTC producing the next British tennis ace? "We've got a fantastic new coach called Tina Muller who goes to schools all over the Malvern Hills, which is an initiative that's trying to nurture young talent," said Mr Bebbington.

"I think that tennis is taken much more seriously now and it's being taught more at schools."

One youngster hoping to prove he has what it takes is 15-year-old Lewis Barnes, of Hartlebury.

The budding star has been a Herefordshire and Worcestershire county player for many years and helped the Great Britain under-14s boys' team to World Championship victory last year.

He's now training tirelessly at the prestigious Tennis Academy, in Loughborough, and despite being plagued by injury last year he's on top form, with a string of trophies already under his belt.

"He's off to Denmark to compete as part of the International Tennis Federation's under-18s tour and seems to be doing tremendously well," said his proud dad, Nick.

"It's impossible to say if he'll make Wimbledon one day, but he's working very hard at it.

"Essentially, he's almost a full time player now, which from a parent's point of view is worrying as he does so little at school, but you have to let your children follow their dreams."

He may not be competing in Wimbledon just yet, but Lewis will be heading to the tournament on Wednesday, where a video, which includes him playing, will be screened at an exhibition centre in a bid to attract younger people to the sport.

But he'll only be stopping for the one day, because then he's off to Denmark. Let's hope it's enough time to allow him to pick up some tips and inspire him to become Britain's next tennis star.