A NEW primary schools' tennis competition took place during the first week of Wimbledon across the two counties.

A host of players competed for the chance to be the inaugural Schools' Ariel Mini Tennis Red champions by representing their school sports partnership.

More than 500 primary-aged school children took part in the competition.

Budding tennis stars of the future competed in locally clustered competitions, with the winning schools moving through to a school sports partnership final.

Players then represented their school sport partnership in the county final hosted by Herefordshire and Worcester-shire LTA.

Players aged nine to 11 slugged it out with the Whitecross School Sports Partnership coming out on top. When the seven to nine- year-olds played, it was the North Worcestershire School Sports Partnership who were crowned champions.

The winners won their partnership a bag of tennis equipment worth £350.

The event was hugely successful because schools, clubs and coaches worked together, all sharing the idea of helping to get kids onto the competitive pathway.

Players in the county finals were keen to emulate their heroes at the All-England Club and took their inspiration from the opening matches of the championships at Wim-bledon.

Van Willerton, club development officer for Herefordshire and Worcestershire LTA, said: "Competing lies at the heart of our sport and it was great to see so many young tennis players from all over the county enjoying the thrill of winning points for their team.

"All of these players have now been directed to their local club and coach and we hope they continue their journey on the winning pathway."