THE first of five tennis festivals held across the UK will be launched in the North-East today.

The Nestl Kids' Clubs Tennis Scheme, Kids' Clubs Network will be at the Puma Sunderland Tennis Centre, Silksworth Sports Complex, Silksworth, Sunderland, from 9.30am until 3:30pm.

Clubs from throughout the city and surrounding areas have been invited to bring ten children to join the fun and participate in the festival.

The Nestl tennis scheme was initially created to introduce children to the sport of tennis in a fun and exciting way.

It was launched in the summer of 1999 and more than 1,300 clubs are now registered.