JUNIOR tennis players in Gloucestershire have an unprecedented opportunity to improve their game this summer as the county spearheads a drive for champions.

The Gloucestershire LTA will be running more than 120 tournaments and matchplay days - a threefold increase on last year's programme.

The county's strategy is in line with the LTA's policy of increasing the number of juniors competing at every level, from six to 18, in a drive to improve the status of British tennis.

County tournament co-ordinator Pete Collins said: "The county is buzzing in terms of competition. It's hard work for everyone concerned but the support we're getting from the clubs, coaches and parents makes it all worthwhile.

"Our programme has been brought about by a huge appetite for tennis from the juniors and the amount of competitive play they now want."

The county is ensuring that the opportunities are not restricted to the major population centres of Cheltenham and Gloucester.

"Apart from the normal venues like the East Glos Club and Esporta in Cheltenham, Painswick, Oxstalls in Gloucester and Cirencester Tennis Club, we are now pushing it around so the local children in places like the Cotswolds get a better chance to play in tournaments."

Younger players in mini tennis, aged from six to ten, will be offered the opportunity to play in a carefully controlled and supervised environment.

The county has produced a booklet giving details of all the events throughout the summer, and entries were coming in within 24 hours of its distribution.

Information and entry forms are available at all clubs in the county, from the county LTA office on 01452 396644 or e-mail glos@LTA.org.uk.