MEMBERS of Walmer Lawn Tennis Club are pressing ahead with their plans to develop junior tennis in the area.

The Archery Square club's junior section enjoyed a 30 per cent increase in membership this year and now totals nearly 140 youngsters.

Janet O'Neill, the club's junior co-ordinator, said: "This year we have established a foundation of a programme of tennis in local primary and secondary schools.

"Our full-time tennis professional David Barr has coached 760 schoolchildren this year, successfully feeding players on to his year-round programme of coaching courses and camps at our club and at the Indoor Tennis Centre, in Victoria Park.

"Young players are then encouraged to join our club's junior section which provides an extensive tennis programme for all ages and abilities during the summer months."

O'Neill says that the club's triple target next year is to increase the number of children playing tennis in schools, establish Walmer Club junior squads and extend their junior competition programme.

The club are hoping to attract sponsorship of £2,000 to help fund their junior development programme. Any companies or individuals who would like to help should contact Janet O'Neill on 01304 239201.