FREE tennis taster sessions are being held in St Austell on the eve of the Wimbledon championship fortnight.

St Austell Tennis Club is pressing forward with its summer drive to attract more people to the game by offering free coaching at its open day on Sunday (June 30).

People of all ages, including young children, are being given the chance to try their hand at a sport now played by more than four million people around the UK.

Club chair Rachel Smith said of the open day: “This is a great opportunity to try tennis for free! You never know, the next Jack Draper or Katie Boulter may come from Cornwall!

“Qualified coaches and members of the club's league teams will be on hand to welcome visitors to the courts from 9.30am and to offer tips about learning the game.

“There are taster sessions for adults who are new to the sport or who haven’t picked up a racquet in a long time, and there will be a cardio tennis session, a group fitness class set on a tennis court.

“Anyone interested in participating can sign up for the free sessions on the club's website, www.staustelltennisclub.co.uk

“St Austell prides itself on opening up tennis and providing a grassroots approach for all.

“The Cornwall tennis ethos is to grow the game and inspire the next generation and there is no better time, with Wimbledon just around the corner!

“You don't even need to bring a racquet to the open day - you can borrow one of ours!”

St Austell Tennis Club is located beside St Austell Rugby Club on Tregorrick Road, where the postcode is PL26 7AG.

The tennis club has doubled its membership in recent years, but is eager to attract more people, particularly youngsters and women.

A club spokesperson said: “We are offering a special membership price for people who join on the day - not to mention teas, coffees and cakes!

“For further information, email [email protected]”

It will be a busy weekend at Tregorrick Road with the St Austell Rugby Club women’s team holding a recruitment day on Saturday.