A TENNIS coach helping to serve up stars of the future has won national recognition.

Sport England chairman Patrick Carter travelled to the North-East yesterday to present Christine Heppell with a medal for the female community coach category in the Coach of the Year awards.

Mr Carter, who made the presentation at Shotley and Benfieldside Tennis Club in Shotley Bridge, County Durham, said: "Considering there are 500,000 people involved in coaching in England, of which about half would be women, it is a fantastic achievement - especially for her to find herself in the same league as England rugby coach Clive Woodward.

"Shotley and Benfieldside club has grown from 11 juniors to 156 people since March 2001. This is what we want to see nationally.

"The Lawn Tennis Association wants to get more people from different backgrounds into tennis. This can be achieved by clubs reaching out into the communities. If what has been done in Derwentside can be reflected up and down the country we will produce more winners."

Mrs Heppell said: "I am delighted. I really enjoy what I do. Coaching takes patience and perseverance, but I do love the game of tennis and believe that comes through when doing outreach work with schools in the community."

Mrs Heppell, who lives in Durham, has had various coaching roles in the district over the past few years.

She has been involved in number of community initiatives, including the Derwentside Community Tennis Partnership, which has seen her and her fellow coach, Phil Atess, promote outreach work in special schools and deprived areas.

She was nominated by Derwentside Leisure Services sports and activities manager Colin McBride.