THE first matches of the Basingstoke Primary School's Summer Tennis League, which is sponsored by The Gazette in association with Totally Tennis, will start next week.

Five teams in total from three schools have entered the league, with each team named after an animal.

Representing Park View School are the Tigers, Hawks and Panthers, Kempshott is to be represented by the Harriers, and North Waltham's team have been named the Eagles.

Over the next few weeks, the teams will play each other to decide an overall winner by the end of term.

Totally Tennis' schools co-ordinator Jo Brett said: "It is great that schools, players and their parents are so committed to this after-school activity and it's fantastic that so many players we teach are taking their first steps on the competitive ladder."

The Basingstoke Primary School Tennis League is an opportunity for local pupils who have shown enthusiasm and potential in tennis-based curriculum coaching, after-school clubs and PE lessons.

The league is a competitive learning experience with the primary aim of the children enjoying the game of tennis and building on the skills they have developed, by playing tennis matches against children from other schools.

The league is open to teams from primary and junior schools in the Basingstoke area.

Each school can enter one or more teams of four Year 5 and 6 players of any gender.

Matches are played on Fridays at Totally Tennis' indoor centre in the War Memorial Park.