WITH Wimbledon well under way, junior tennis players yesterday took to the courts to fight for their own title.

Teams of four boys and four girls from primary schools from throughout the district battled it out in the local tournament at Seaham Leisure Centre.

Those taking part were eager to show off their newly acquired skills following a series of coaching sessions which were organised by Easington council's sports development unit earlier in the year.

The tennis teaching lessons were devised to introduce the game to Year Three pupils across the district.

In addition to giving the budding champions a chance to display their skills, the purpose of the competition was to select a team to represent the area in the County Mini Tennis Finals to be staged in the Puma Tennis Centre in Silksworth, Sunderland next Tuesday.

After some hard fought games the victorious school team taking the east Durham title was from St Cuthbert's Primary School in Seaham.

Sports Development Officer for the district, Richard Hill said he was confident the team would do well in the County Finals.

"They looked very strong and showed promising ability in the tournament,'' said Richard