Anyone for tennis?

Each round costs just £10 to enter and interested parties are urged to sign up by Thursday 27th January.

The Southend Tennis League is being run in conjunction with Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, Garon Park, and suits everyone over 18, whether occasional players or tennis regulars.

Players are arranged in groups of six or seven of equal standard and have eight weeks to play their matches at mutually convenient times.

Those who play three matches by the halfway point receive a free tube of tennis balls and the winner of each group is given a certificate and a £20 cash prize.

There are already 40 similar leagues across the country. The league is an initiative by Local Tennis Leagues - an organisation dedicated to supporting friendly, competitive tennis and recognised by the Tennis Foundation, the charitable arm of the Lawn Tennis Association.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture, Councillor Derek Jarvis, said: "This is an excellent way for people to improve their tennis, meet new people and get fitter at the same time."

For more details, or to join Southend Tennis League, visit: www.localtennisleagues.com/southend e-mail Sally or Nigel at southendtennisleagues@gmail.com or call 07503-281732.