SOPHIE Proctor of Marton, Middlesbrough is continuing to turn heads on the junior tennis circuit.

Now based at the Lawn Tennis Association's academy in Leeds, the daughter of former Middlesbrough FC star Mark Proctor, reached the final of the under-14 grand prix winter series in Gloucester last weekend.

Her success against a field containing the best players of her age group in the country will help her bid for selection to compete in the European Championships in France.

She competes at the under-14 European Teen Tennis Tournament this weekend in Telford. Belgian star Kim Clijsters is a former winner of the tournament and Sophie is excited by her recent run of good form.

She said: "I have been working hard in Leeds on key aspects of my game and am really pleased that this has paid off. I am really excited by the prospect of being selected to compete in the European Championships, but am really going to focus on this weekend to play well and compete with some of the best juniors in Europe.

"This will give me more experience at playing at European level."

Results in Gloucester. - First round: bt Sam Evans 6-7 7-6 6-4; second round: bt Olivia Smith 6-3 5-7 6-1; semi-final: bt Naomi Broady 4-6 6-3 7-5; final: lost to Victoria Brook 4-6 2-6.