A LEADING national tennis tournament is due to serve up a sporting spectacle in the region next month.

The National Premier League for Tennis has announced the finals will take place for the first time at Tennis World, Middlesbrough and David Lloyd Teesside, Stockton.

The competition, which takes place from Thursday, April 25 to Sunday 28, will see 16 men’s and eight women’s teams qualify for the finals from regional leagues across the UK.

More than 100 teams battled it out to reach the finals and compete for over £19,000 in prize money.

Past competitors have included tennis stars Pat Cash, Marcus Willis, Jamie Murray and Jonny Marray.

The Northern Echo:

Jamie Murray in action

Welcoming the announcement, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m chuffed that we are bringing yet another top-class sporting event to the Tees Valley.

“The National Premier League is an excellent opportunity to showcase what the region has to offer, and I am pleased to be able to make the investment to help bring another significant sporting event to the area.”

The competition will officially launch with a gala dinner at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm on Wednesday, April 24. This notable event in the tennis sporting calendar will be attended by Judy Murray, OBE and former professional footballer and sports pundit John Hartson, who will both be guest speakers.

Keith Carder, from the Lawn Tennis Association said “We are delighted to support the National Premier League and look forward to this year’s finals. It’s a great opportunity to see an exciting team tennis format with many current and future international tennis stars.”

Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member with responsibility for sport development, said: “We’re delighted to welcome such a prestigious event to Middlesbrough, and I’m sure there’ll be a great turn-out.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for tennis fans to see some of the world’s best players, and we could see some stars of the future inspired to pick up a racket.”