WITH Wimbledon starting on Monday, a Dousland youngster?s thoughts have turned to centre court, but only if he can find extra support and sponsorship to help fund his tennis training.

Lewis Belcher, 11, started playing indoor tennis at the age of 8 when he had to give up swimming due to having grommets fitted and after quickly progressing he now plays in the Plymouth and District under 13s and under 18s leagues.

Attending weekly coaching sessions, training with two clubs in Plymouth and regular tournaments are proving expensive and time consuming for Lewis and his mum, Tania.

They now hope to find local people who could offer sponsorship to help the talented youngster on the road to Wimbledon.

He has already tasted success having won his way to the Robinson?s junior challenge and will represent the district in the Devon County Masters final in August.

Due to time and cost, competitive Lewis can currently have just one coaching session a week, with Rachel Curtis in Plymouth, who thinks he could easily become a county standard player, but he needs to be pushed to fulfil his potential.

Tania said: ?Anyone who watches him play will realise that he is competitive, has style and enormous potential.

?We are unable to afford a tennis court of our own but we would like to thank a local resident who has come to his rescue and given Lewis unlimited use of their court, for which he is truly grateful.

?All he needs now is someone to knock about with and give him more tips.?

Mrs Belcher blames the cost of playing tennis to high standards for the lack of national tennis players: ?You come up against so many costs, with tournaments, coaching and travel, that it?s probably the reason why England doesn?t have very many top players.?

Anyone who can help Lewis is asked to call Tania Belcher on 07712 859640.