Warndon teenager shines in UK's largest mass tennis event at Wimbledon

Ayrton Little, who attends RGS Worcester, may not have won the championship, but left with memories that he will cherish forever when he took part at Vodafone's Play Your Way to Wimbledon event.

This event sees thousands of under 14 and under 18 players compete.

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Qualifying stages earlier this year led to county and regional finals in June and July.

Winners went on to play at Wimbledon’s Aorangi Courts last week.

Despite not advancing to the final stages, Little, who plays at Redditch Tennis Club, was excited to be part of the tournament.

He said: "It’s quite a big achievement.

"I’ve been trying to get to Wimbledon for three years in a row, so knowing that I’ve managed to get here on my last chance is great.

"The courts are the best you can get, they’re really fresh.

"Tennis is my full time passion, I left school to do it, so I’m going to give it my all to get to being professional."

The competition aims to inspire the next generation of UK tennis talent.

It allows players to follow in the steps of their heroes: from humble beginnings to the revered turf of Wimbledon.

Formerly known as the Road to Wimbledon, Vodafone, LTA, and All England Club support the event, which aims to grow grassroots tennis in the UK.

Former British number one and Vodafone Ambassador, Tim Henman, who was at the event, said: "Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is an incredible opportunity for people from every walk of life to pick up a racket and get involved and it's been great to see so many players taking part in this year's competition."

Laura Robson, former British number one and Vodafone Ambassador, led a coaching clinic at the event.

She said: "It’s a highlight of the year for many and this feels like a big deal, because it is.

"Everything here is exactly as it was when the main tournament was on, which makes it even more special."