THE BIRKENHEAD Tennis Partnership has been served an ace - a 15,000 pounds grant from the Lawn Tennis Association and the British Tennis Foundation - to run a community based tennis development programme in Birkenhead Park.

The Partnership's members, including Wirral Council, Park High School and Birkenhead Tennis Club, have joined forces to take tennis to a wider audience.

It is hoped that the cash will ensure that all children will be given the chance to participate in tennis at minimal cost - and maybe produce players to rival the likes of Great Britain's finest, Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski.

Meanwhile, Wirral Tennis and Sport Centre has been given accreditation by the British Olympic Association for the support it has given to a potential future Paralympic medal winner, Christine Smith.

Christine, who trains at Wirral Tennis and Sport Centre four times a week, is coached by Wirral Tennis Development Officer Craig Jones. Christine is a member of the British wheelchair tennis squad and has been training at the indoor centre in Bidston for just over a year.

During this time, her world ranking has risen and the British Tennis Foundation has selected her as one of its Silver grade athletes. Christine could well be one of the stars at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens.

Christine's achievement follows fellow Wirral Tennis and Sport Centre players Matthew Smith and Mark Eccleston.

Matthew became the World Under-14 Champion by winning the Tarbes event in France, becoming the first British player ever to do so.

Mark is Britain's highest ranked adult, being rated World No 3 in Quad wheelchair tennis, placing him even higher than Rusedski.

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