WITH Wimbledon on the horizon, tennis will be in the spotlight in Southend on Saturday and Sunday as the Great British Tennis Weekend comes to town.

The Lawn Tennis Association and Tennis Foundation initiative aims to promote the sport throughout the summer and the first event takes place on May 14 and 15 at clubs and venues across the borough.

Would-be players will get the chance to try tennis out or take some coaching at the free-of-charge sessions, which cater for all age groups.

“We are really excited that the Great British Tennis Weekend is hitting Southend this summer," said LTA regional tennis participation manager Neil Twitchett.

"With so many park sites and clubs right across Southend running their own Great British Tennis Weekend there really is something for everyone. I hope families take the opportunity to take part in these fantastic events and ready themselves for what is set to be Southend’s biggest ever summer of tennis, as we get behind Andy Murray and the British tennis stars.”

Participating clubs and venues in Southend offering free tennis this weekend include: Chalkwell Park, David Lloyd Southend, Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre, Priory Park, Southend Lawn TC, Thorpe Bay LTC, Westcliff Hardcourt TC, Westcliff Lawn TC.

All venues will have rackets and balls for participants to use.

A second Great British Tennis Weekend will be held on Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17.

To reserve a place or for more information go to www.GreatBritishTennisWeekend.