National sports charity ‘Tennis For Free’ has served up an ace for Widnes by investing in a programme of free tennis sessions at the Victoria Park tennis courts.

In partnership with Halton Council and the LTA, Tennis For Free will provide free coach-led sessions for all the family for one year as part of its aim to use tennis to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of all members of the community across the UK.

Lead scheme organiser Callum Moore said: "I am very excited to welcome Tennis For Free to Widnes.

"Victoria Park is a great place for members of the local community to try tennis for either the first time, or to dust off the cobwebs after a time away from the sport.

"It’s a fun, friendly and entertaining free weekly event where you’ll make new friends and benefit from regular exercise. There is no catch, as the name suggests, everything is free.”

Tennis For Free chief Paul Jessop said: “We are changing the image of tennis to a sport for all by removing the cost barrier so that members of all communities can play and benefit physically, mentally and socially.

"Victoria Park is one of hundreds of schemes we are opening across the UK over the next five years as part of our plan to get more people playing the sport.

"Each session is led by qualified tennis coaches who will ensure people develop at their own pace."

Allison Lewis from the LTA said: “Tennis For Free is also about the ability to meet new people and develop friendships, taking regular exercise and simply having fun.

"It isn’t about finding the next Andy Murray, but about making tennis accessible to all.”

The sessions get underway this Saturday, June 29, from 10am to 11.30am.  

Sign up for Tennis For Free at www.tennisforfree.com.  

You can also follow Tennis For Free on Twitter and Facebook @tennisforfree