By Bruce Archer

Just a week on from Andy Murray’s success at Wimbledon,  more than 200 adults and children picked up a tennis racket for the first time at King George’s Park in Wandsworth last weekend.

Three hours worth of free coaching was offered as part of the Get Active Wandsworth Festival, which included LTA Mini Tennis – and encouraged 150 children and around 80 adults to take to the court in the hope of emulating the British superstar, who became the first Brit to win the men’s single title at Wimbledon in 77 years.

The Lawn Tennis Association Tennis development manager for west London, Lyndall Newton-Early, praised the event.

She said: “It was a great day and an opportunity to promote the good work being done to grow tennis in Wandsworth.

“We are committed to getting more people playing tennis, so just getting people on the court to play is pleasing.”

The co-owner and director of All Star Coaching, Ben White, added: “The festival was an excellent opportunity for adults and children to try out tennis.

“And, incredibly, all of the 10 courts were booked out from 9am-4pm on the Sunday, which we believe to be a reflection from the festival on Saturday.”