TENNIS: Lewis Barnes was among a group of Britain's most promising young players who took to the show courts at the famous Wimbledon Tennis Championships.

The up-and-coming Kidderminster ace, who has represented Great Britain U-12s, and his fellow prospects are all involved in a national tennis scholarship scheme.

Barnes was one of 16 talented Ariel players of the future who stepped onto the number one court to demonstrate his award-winning tennis strokes.

He will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of English favourite Tim Henman, while wild card teenager Elena Baltacha showed tremendous promise in the women's section this year.

Barnes, who competes for Stourbridge Tennis Club, admitted: "It's been fun doing all the radio interviews and I must admit It's exciting too.

"I think that playing at Wimbledon though was the most exciting thing. I was nervous but really looked forward to it."

The players-of-the-future programme aims to identify and nurture talented players between the ages of 10 and 13 up to a senior championship-winning level.

More details on tennis in the Worcestershire area are available from the Lawn Tennis Association on 0208 944 9215.