A SPORTS charity is looking to make the most of the success of Wimbledon by offering up free tennis in County Durham.

Tennis For Free has served up an ace for Consett and the surrounding area by investing in a programme of free sessions at the Sherburn Park tennis courts, Stanley Gardens, Consettfrom Sunday, July 21 at 10-11.30am.

In an exciting partnership with Durham County Council and the LTA, Tennis For Free will provide free coach-led tennis sessions for all the family for one year as part of its aim to use tennis to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of all members of the community across the UK.

With over 100 schemes across the UK, Sherburn Park is one of several similar schemes in the North of England and will be every Sunday between 10-11.30am. Everyone is welcome, you don’t need a racquet or a ball as all equipment is provided free of charge. Sign up for Tennis For Free Sherburn Park now at www.tennisforfree.com

Lead scheme organiser David Esther said: “I am very excited to welcome Tennis For Free to Consett. The Sherburn Park Tennis For Free scheme is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to try tennis for either the first time, or to dust off the cobwebs after a time away from the sport. It’s a fun, friendly and entertaining free weekly event where you’ll make new friends and benefit from regular exercise. There is no catch, as the name suggests, everything is free.”

The charity’s chief executive Paul Jessop is similarly excited.

He said: “We are changing the image of tennis to a sport for all by removing the cost barrier so that members of all communities can play and benefit physically, mentally and socially. Sherburn Park is one of hundreds of schemes we are opening across the UK over the next five years as part of our plan to get more people playing this wonderful sport.

“We have created specially designed programmes to welcome families, the old and the young, of any ability and the beauty is that each session is led by qualified tennis coaches who will ensure people develop at their own pace.

“But it’s not just about the playing. We have seen at our other schemes that small friendly community groups grow. This social cohesion is great to see especially for those who may not think tennis is for them but is for another member of their family.

“People can still stay involved and help run the schemes. We are always looking for local volunteers to grow the game, indeed some of our most successful and sustainable schemes across the UK have the coaches supported by a team of volunteers who organise further events which all contributes towards everyone’s well-being.”

Tennis For Free has plans to bring more than 175,000 new tennis players, 2,000 coaches and 5,000 volunteers into the sport over the next five years.