WHILE teenage tennis sensation Maria Sharapova was playing her way into her first Wimbledon final yesterday, dozens of young hopefuls were displaying their talents in a schools tournament at Bishop Auckland.

Sixteen primary schools took part in the event, which was hosted by Bishop Auckland Tennis Club and organised through the Wear Valley School Sports Co-ordinator programme.

Winners Copeland Road, from West Auckland, beat Cockton Hill 4-2 in the final, with St Wilfrid's third after a 5-1 win over Coundon St Joseph's.

A similar event at Wolsingham on Wednesday was won by Witton-le-Wear, with Hunwick, Stanley Crook and St John's Chapel taking the other places.

Bishop Auckland co-ordinator Garry Purcell said: "The idea is to get children playing and enjoying sport.

"I saw a big improvement in the play as I watched the children through the afternoon. They have all done very well."

The Bishop Auckland club has more than 100 young members, with a waiting list of 20 others who want to join.

Coach Keith Greenwell said: "There has never been so much talent at the club. We have six juniors who are playing adult tennis and others who will be moving up next year.

"They are doing fantastically well. We have shown we can be just as successful as the big clubs."

Junior club sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact Mr Greenwell on (01642) 674779.