PEOPLE across Kent can take advantage of one of the country's biggest and best annual sporting offers - to play tennis for free.

Britain's number one Tim Henman, fresh from his personal weekend Davis Cup triumph against Luxemburg, is launching the LTA's Play Tennis initiative.

More than 32 clubs, leisure centres and local authority venues in Kent have chosen at least one day between now and the end of September to open their courts and welcome anyone to play.

Last year more than 58,000 people took part in Play Tennis, making it the UK's largest ever free sports participation event. Almost a third of the people enjoyed themselves so much that they joined their local tennis club afterwards.

Since Play Tennis was first introduced five years ago, the annual event has attracted almost half a million people including more than 60,000 newcomers to the sport.

Henman said: "I am a great supporter of Play Tennis. Whether you are new to the game or simply haven't played for a long time, Play Tennis is free, which can only encourage people to pick up a racket.

"Tennis is a fun sport that can be played by absolutely anyone competitively or for pure enjoyment. The more people who play, the more chance we have of developing future champions."

John Watton, the LTA county development officer for Kent said: "Play Tennis 2004 encourages everybody, regardless of age, ability or background, to go down to their local tennis venue and enjoy the game.

"Hopefully they will experience the spirit and fun of tennis and it will offer them a chance to meet other players in their neighbourhood."

Mr Watton, who is based at Kent's new indoor county tennis centre at Newstead Woods, near Orpington, added: "We particularly hope that the campaign attracts those adults and children who are keen to try their hand at tennis for the first time and to potentially become long term players."

Kent clubs taking part in the Play Tennis initiative include Broadstairs, Faversham, Gravesham, Herne Bay, Kemsing, Leigh, Maidstone, Margate, Martin Dene, Sevenoaks Tunbridge Wells Indoor Centre, Walmer and Woodchurch.

To find out more about Play Tennis visit http//www.LTA.org.uk/playtennis