KIRKBY Stephen's Community Sports Officer Gary Payton has been seeded number 1 in the British Open Clay Courts tennis Championship.

Gary was the Welsh number 1 and captain of Wales in the recent Four Nations Tennis International in Glasgow earlier this month, at which he led his team to second place with Scotland taking the first prize, England third and Ireland fourth. Garry had a good weekend, playing five, and winning four games.

The British Open Clay Courts Championships are a Grade 1, the highest possible International Tennis Federation (ITF) event and include players from all over the world and takes place at West Hants Club in Bournemouth.

Later in June, Gary will be competing in the Scottish Open - another ITF Seniors Event.

l Kirkby Stephen Grammar School Sports College have played their latest National Club league tennis match against Bury.

Gary Payton was unable to play for Kirkby Stephen on the day due to a county match commitment, so the team was Lee Burrell, Nick Walls, Martin Green and Matt Wigham.

The team, containing two juniors, narrowly lost 4-2 to very experienced Bury side. Nick Walls and Lee Burrell picking up the two rubbers for Kirkby Stephen on the day. The result leaves Kirkby in 4th place having previously beaten Lancashire Rackets Club and Blackburn Northern before this match. KSGS Sports College's only defeat so far was against Bradford.