A PROMISING young tennis player is being supported by a Cleveland hospital.

Eight-year-old Jennifer Yates, of Redmarshall, recently received a £400 cheque from Cleveland Nuffield Hospital, to help with coaching and tournament fees.

Jennifer attends William Cassidi School at Thorpe Thewles and has played tennis for two years. She has already competed in nine tournaments and was runner-up at the recent Northumberland Open.

Her father, Bill, is a maintenance technician at the Norton hospital and has worked there for 18 years.

Speaking about the gift, he said: "We are very appreciative of this support. Tennis is a very expensive sport for parents to fund, with three or four training sessions a week plus tournaments. This donation means Jennifer can be coached and can realise her full potential.

"Hopefully, one day she will fulfil her dream of playing at Wimbledon, just like her name-sake heroine, Jennifer Capriati.