THE stars of the future were out in force yesterday for the start of one of the region's most prestigious junior tennis tournaments.

The Middlesbrough Open Junior Tennis Championships - co-sponsored by The Northern Echo - take place all week at Tennis World at Prissick Base.

Some of the country's top juniors are taking part, with the finals being staged this weekend.

Tennis World spokeswoman Vicky Paton said: "The number of entries is up on last year and the quality is higher than ever.

"The first day has seen some tremendous matches and we're in for an exhilarating week."