EIGHT members of the Costello Technology College tennis squad, who are coached by Totally Tennis, enjoyed a day out at the Wimbledon Championships last week.

PE teacher Cath Lewis, who is a self-confessed tennis nut and the driving force behind Costello's tennis teams, secured court two tickets for her players in the now annual school pilgrimage to the home of British tennis.

Unfortunately, when the group arrived at the All England Club, the heavens opened and, although there were a few bright spots, there was no play at all on any courts that day - the first time this has happened in many years.

With all hopes of seeing Goran Ivanisevic and British player Lee Childs dashed, the group headed off to take in one of the other delights of Wimbledon - strawberries and cream, in the rain!

The group took advantage of the LTA's Kidzone, testing the power and speed of their serves and taking in the history of the venue.

Miss Lewis said: "Obviously we were all disappointed that play was cancelled but the kids remained in good spirits and still enjoyed their day out."

Miss Lewis has forged strong links with Totally Tennis, whose courts are located behind her school. Pupils are regular visitors to the indoor centre where they can take advantage of all the facilities.

The school is fortunate to have an ongoing tennis programme, partly sponsored by Totally Tennis, which includes weekly team training sessions after school, curriculum lessons for Year 7 and Year 9 girls, as well as PE option tennis for Year 10 and Year11s.

Both the club and school are keen to strengthen these links and further enhance the programme in the forthcoming school year.

Jo Brett, schools co-ordinator said: "The Costello programme has grown significantly over the past year, which is due hugely to the commitment and enthusiasm of PE teacher Cath Lewis and the Totally Tennis coaches.

"We are happy to give our support to the school and actively encourage any school tennis to take full advantage of our facilities."