NORTH Yorkshire schoolgirl Laura Gilbert has come a long way since her tennis talents were spotted as she hit rapid-fire volleys against the garage door.

She was just seven years old when taking to the racket, inspired by her Wimbledon hero Tim Henman.

Now the 11-year-old is a member of the national junior squad and among the country's top ten youngsters in her age group.

But it's been a long, hard slog for dedicated Laura and her management team of parents Ian and Sandra and nine-year-old tennis-playing brother Michael.

After her potential was spotted by Dorothy Wilson on a tennis camp at Boroughbridge leisure centre, Laura was recommended to take the sport more seriously at Ripon tennis centre.

There she was coached to success by professional Brent Parker and when he moved to Sunderland for a new coaching job, Laura went with him.

Now another move for Parker to Cheadle in Cheshire means she makes regular 177-mile round trips just for the special coaching which has helped to propel her to national recognition.

Laura, who lives at Boroughbridge, has not only built up confidence, but also great faith in Parker's ability as a coach.

The former Durham and Cleveland county player also rates his star pupil as a fine prospect for the future.

Mrs Gilbert, who dubs herself "mum's taxi service" for coaching appointments, is also full of praise for Ripon tennis centre.

They provide early morning coaching for Laura before she starts her day at Ripon grammar school.

With coaching at Ripon, Cheadle and at the Lawn Tennis Association's regional centre at Beckett Park, Leeds, Laura's tennis is being well honed. But she still finds time for homework and relaxation while playing the clarinet.

Already independent observers have noted her formidable forehand, which has helped her win the prestige Doncaster Junior Open and finish runner-up in the National Under 12 Grand Prix in Birmingham recently.

Laura's talents have also attracted sponsorship from Ripon-based car firm Batchelor's.

Mrs Gilbert said: "We can't speak too highly of Ripon tennis centre for their coaching help, which is so necessary when we could not get over to Cheshire more than once a week."

Meanwhile, Laura recently helped Sheffield-based Abbeydale win the national under 11 team championship.

She has yet to meet her hero Henman, but has seen him in action at Wimbledon and in Davis Cup clashes.

Because she's part of the national squad, one of the perks is the availability of sought-after tickets for the nation's major tennis events.