BUDDING young tennis players at Crakehall will now be competing for a trophy named in memory of a retired local magistrate and supporter of charitable organisations in North Yorkshire.

Joe Wilkinson, of Crakehall CE Primary School, has become the first winner of the Mike Reed Trophy following a series of coaching sessions for pupils held on the tennis court at Crakehall House, the Reed family home.

Pat Reed, known to family and friends as Mike, died aged 72 in March after a long and painful illness caused by rheumatoid arthritis, which meant that she increasingly needed a wheelchair.

She was the wife of Barry Reed, retired chairman and managing director of the Austin Reed Group, who presented the new trophy to Joe Wilkinson.

John Carr, a qualified Lawn Tennis Association coach from Bedale, is keen to promote tennis in primary schools and has been running sessions for Crakehall pupils on Wednesday afternoons since last year. The top four players went into semi-finals and finals at Crakehall House.

Runner-up this year was Gary Lodge, who received a bronze medal. The losing semi-finalists were Madeline Finkill and Ethan McQue, Madeline receiving a silver LTA award and Ethan a bronze.

Vouchers given by Nickery Nook, of Bedale, went to the winner and runner-up. Medals were donated by Sharp jewellers, of Darlington.

Any local primary schools interested in tennis coaching sessions should contact Mr Carr on 01677 423338