BUDDING tennis star Jonathon Gunn is getting a helping hand from his local leisure centre.

For the Hambleton Council facility in Stokesley is opening its gym doors to the teenager.

Managers are allowing him to train alongside regular users rather than only at the special sessions for 12- to 15-year-olds.

The 13-year-old has been playing tennis for seven years, reaching the finals in national tournaments and often competing against players older than himself.

Now, to improve his game, the Great Broughton youngster has taken professional advice to help build up his body strength,

"Because Jonathon is still growing, it is important he builds up his strength using cardiovascular equipment, not by weight training," said assistant manager at Stokesley, David Earl.

"We have agreed to help him meet his training goals by giving him access to the gym at all times.

"This is a first for Stokesley. We do run special gym sessions for 12- to 15-year-olds once a week.

"But Jonathon needs more than that and we are delighted to be able to help.

"Perhaps we will be playing a small part in realising Jonathon's dream to become England's tennis champion."