Hampshire's James Chaudry was among a group of Britain's most promising young players who appeared on Wimbledon's Centre Court last Saturday.

The 12 year old from North Baddesley was one of eight youngsters who were hand picked to be on the Ariel Champions of the Future programme. They took part in a demonstration before play began on Centre Court, and courts 1 and 3. Said James: "It was really exciting for us all. We had all been looking forward to it and I couldn't wait to get on court." Keen to show off his own serves on court James, whose tennis skills have already taken him to an International Tennis Camp in Spain, may one day find himself starring in an Ariel advertising campaign, which is currently fronted by Tim Henman. Tim agreed to do the tongue-in-cheek ad as part of Ariel's investment in the 'Champions of the Future' programme, which he hopes will encourage talented youngsters in the UK to follow in his and Greg Rusedski's footsteps. Said Tim: "When I was a youngster, I was supported by a similar scheme, so it's great to see that Ariel are investing in the 'Champions of the Future' "It's so important that there are initiatives like these to help develop tennis in this country - we need to make the game as accessible as possible." Supported by washing powder giant Ariel, the LTA Futures programme was established in 2000 as a key part of a plan to advance talented young players to senior level. Up to 250 young players between the ages of 10 and 13 are selected through a talent ID road show conducted in 41 counties across the country each year by national coaches.