THE "Tiger" Tim Henman served up some tennis tips to children from across South Lakeland this week as part of an effort to encourage sport in schools.

More than 125 children from 25 schools in the area joined Britain's number one on the courts at Ulverston Leisure Centre on Monday to participate in the Serving Tennis for Schools Scheme.

Set up by local Jaguar dealership, P.V. Dobson, and the UK Government initiative, Sportsmatch, the scheme provides two secondary schools, three special needs schools and 20 primaries in the area with free equipment bags, in-service teacher-training, coach visits and mini tennis and tennis taster sessions. It also provides information on where youngsters can play tennis at local clubs and centres.

On a break from training for the Canadian Tennis Masters series, the tennis ace said such schemes were "vital" for the future of the sport: "There is no doubt that schemes of this type will enable Britain to find the tennis star of tomorrow and I am thrilled to see all the children here today taking a real interest in the game."