THE chance to play on Wimbledon's hallowed tennis courts is on offer when the sporting charity that has helped springboard aspiring young tennis players into the professional arena holds a fundraising auction.

Southampton tennis ace and former Wimbledon contender Chris Wilkinson and Lawn Tennis Association president Charles Trippe will be at the TennisFirst event when fantastic lots such as the chance to play at Wimbledon go under the hammer.

More than 200 guests are expected to turn up for the auction night at the Hampshire Tennis & Health Club on March 17 - part of the charity's efforts to raise cash to help young UK players fulfil their potential.

The charity, which has benefited from Tim Henman's patronage, has already played a part in boosting the careers of one of Britain's top tennis-playing women, Anne Keothavong, as well as Alex Bogdanovich, who is climbing the men's rankings.

Now the charity is getting behind promising young local player Josh Goodall, who rose from zero to 360 in the ATP entry rankings in 2004.

Tickets are still available for the traditional auction-style event, with professional auctioneer Hume Jones of FPD Savills in charge.

Whoever wins the chance to play at Wimbledon will play with Andrew Castle or Sam Smith.

Three juniors will also be able to play and tickets to the Championships, with lunch in the members enclosure, will also be auctioned.

For those less keen on all things tennis - other lots range from dinner and hotel treats to a holiday in the Algarve.

Some of the 30 to 40 lots may be sold by way of a silent auction.

Guests will pay for a ticket to a canape-and-wine-style cocktail party from 7pm to 9pm at the club, in Botley Road, West End.

Each guest will receive a high quality cheque book that contains details of the suppliers' products as well as one-off special offers to complement the auction.Tickets are £15 which includes a small donation to the charity.

For more information and to book tickets call Ken Weatherley on 01962 711491.

List of lots:

The opportunity to play tennis with Andrew Castle or Sam Smith at The All England Club.

The chance for three junior players to play on the grass at Wimbledon and tour the grounds.

A week in a two-bedroom villa on La Manga (outside peak school holiday periods).

Two ladies' finals day tickets for the Championships, Wimbledon with lunch and tea in members' enclosure.

A shirt signed by Tim Henman and mounted in a presentation case.

Two tickets for the Championships, Wimbledon for June 21, with lunch and tea in members' enclosure.

Two tickets for the Stella Artois tournament at Queens Club.

A final Wimbledon programme 2004, signed by champion Roger Federer.

A three-course dinner for eight pre-prepared by Leith trained Food for Friends and delivered to your door.

A chance to tour the Sky Sports studios with presenter Chris Bailey.

Dinner for two and an overnight stay at any Hotel du Vin.

A Venture photo shoot and £500 worth of images.

A luxury villa, sleeping six, with pool on Parque da Floresta, Algarve.