A TENNIS coach who devotes his time to teaching children the game has won a regional award.

John Heppell, from Durham Archery Tennis Club, was named Young Volunteer of the Year for the North Region in the Aegon British Tennis Awards.

Having joined the club when just four years old, John began volunteering at the age of 13 and eventually took on his present role as Assistant Coach on the Junior Coaching Programme.

The judging panel were impressed by his commitment, giving up his Saturday mornings and Friday evenings to coach players aged 4-16 years.

A student at Durham Sixth Form Centre, he has already completed his Level One and Two Coaching qualifications, while continuing to regularly represent the county at tennis.

As a Regional Award Winner, John will now progress to the national finals to be held in London during Wimbledon fortnight.