BUDDING Henmans and Sharapovas from a primary school have proved a hit in tennis - despite having no proper court on which to play the sport.

Although tennis practice at Framwellgate Moor Primary is confined to the school yard, it has not prevented the eight-strong team from reaching the county finals.

Not only did they win the local heat, but they repeated their success in the area finals, held at Durham University's Maiden Castle sports centre.

School PE co-ordinator, Emma Hardy, said: "It's not just about playing tennis. They are also given a series of mini tennis challenges, bouncing a ball on their racket and hitting the ball into a bucket.

"They then each have a singles match, playing the first to seven points.

"They've done really well. We have had a few practices on a lunch time, but otherwise it's just their natural talent."