ROBERT Carter is continuing to make fine progress up the junior tennis ranks.

The 13-year-old player from Thorpe Bay broke into the top six in the national rankings back in December.

And since then he has been invited by the Lawn Tennis Association to represent Britain in European Tennis Association under-14 tournaments.

Carter, who is coached at Garons Tennis Academy by Katie Gardner, has already competed in Croatia, Italy and Belgium.

And he is due to represent his country again in Slovakia in a couple of weeks' time.

"It's been a really great experience for Robert and he has done very well," said Gardiner.

"Every time he has played he has gone through qualifying and into the main draw.

"In Italy he reached the quarter-finals and in Belgium the semi-final.

"He is very committed to his tennis and with his determination he should continue to progress."

Carter joined the academy, which is based at Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre in Eastern Avenue, Southend, four years ago.

Carter is currently playing at number one for Essex in the Under-14 County Cup and hopes to continue his progress next year by making the county and national under-15 and under-16 squads.

And Gardner added that the teenager's attitude to the game is also rubbing off on other young players at the academy, who look up to him.

One of those players is also making a name for himself.

Nine-year-old Thomas Pud-ney, from Thorpe Bay, won the Essex Under-10 Winter Series at Redbridge.

"Thomas is coming through the ranks and following in Robert's footsteps," added Gardner.