The event ended on Sunday with 60 children aged between four and 10 being given certificates and medals.

David Southworth, senior manager at South Ribble Tennis Centre said: "We decided that with Wimbledon approaching we wanted to open up the sport to the local communities.

"Sometimes tennis is seen as an elitist sport but that is not the case here at the club and also not many people know we are here behind Sainsbury's.

"We visited the local schools with leaflets and flyers and were oversubscribed.

"We even looked at the possibility of extending the classes but there was not enough time space on the courts."

The young people were introduced to tennis basics including the backhand, forehand and the rules of the sport.

David added: "Part of the sessions were based on fitness and their co-ordination, balance and movement improved throughout the four weeks.

"It is important to get young people into sports and activities and 35 of the children enjoyed it so much that they signed up to be part of our summer programmes."

After the success of the event, officials from the tennis club are hoping to stage another similar event later this year.

Anyone interested in joining the club should contact David on 01772 620421 or attend the annual open day on July 19.