EXPERIENCED coach Geoff Henderson could help serve up Britain's next great female tennis player.

Summer coaching courses are under way at Durham High School for Girls, with more than 60 youngsters taking part in the initial session at the weekend.

Tennis equipment supplier Wilson, which kits out the veteran Durham and Cleveland county player, sponsored the academy launch on Saturday.

The school places a high priority on tennis with one indoor and five outdoor courts developed over the last three years.

Mr Henderson, backed by assistant Irene Irving, will run classes for youngsters aged five upwards every Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm for the rest of the summer term.

During the six-week summer holiday, tennis weeks will be held at the school with Saturday coaching resuming in September.

Parents and former pupils also benefit from Mr Henderson's expertise, with coaching courses at the South Road site on Thursdays, at 6pm.

The former county champion, a winner of tournaments at veteran level in recent years, was impressed with the response.

He said: "It was fantastic to see so many eager youngsters.

"It's a unique situation we have here as there is no other school in the Durham and Northumberland area affiliated to the Lawn Tennis Association's junior leagues.

"I've never known such interest. We have a bigger base than any tennis club in the area."

Mr Henderson regularly coaches abroad.

He is also involved in the national search for talented tennis prodigies in a scheme sponsored by pop star and tennis enthusiast Sir Cliff Richard.