FANCY yourself as the next Andy Murray?

Well you can take your first step to Wimbledon this weekend courtesy of the Borders Tennis Centre.

For the second time this summer the Centre is offering free sessions as part of the "Great British Tennis Weekend" (GBTW) to celebrate the successes of Murray and Gordon Reid, who both won singles titles at SW19 on Sunday.

Tennis Scotland Head of Development ‘Doc’ McKelvey said: “The profile of tennis has never been higher with Andy and Gordon’s exploits at the weekend inspiring so many people to take up the sport. 

"With so many park sites and clubs right across the country running their own Great British Tennis Weekend there really is something for everyone.”

People across the Borders can try the sport in a relaxed and fun environment and can take part in sessions including Cardio Tennis, Highland Spring Mini Tennis as well as tennis coaching – all completely free as part of Tennis Scotland, the LTA and Tennis Foundation’s drive to get more people playing.

Alison, who attended a GBTW event last year said: “We have our coach, who was lovely, taking us through volleying and as a complete beginner I was quite nervous but it has actually been brilliant and I feel like I have learned something and now I can play with my son."

The event comes in the heart of the tennis season, with Great Britain set to play Serbia in the Davis Cup this weekend. The programme will act as a taster session and people are urged to go regardless of experience.

Alison added: “I thought that it would be nice to have a go myself because I have never played tennis before and I was too nervous to go along to a lesson without knowing what it is like. I think I am going to come back.”

Venues will be providing rackets and balls, so if you’ve never picked up a racket or just haven’t played for a while, the Great British Tennis Weekend is a great way to get involved.

To try tennis this weekend at a venue this weekend, book your free place at: www.lta.org.uk/gbtw