SOUTHAMPTON'S under-12 tennis team had a happy landing at Southampton Airport.

The youngsters were taking part in the official launch of the sixth annual BAA Southampton Airport Hampshire Youth Games, which will draw in an estimated 1,900 competitors to the Aldershot Military Stadium on Saturday week (June 7).

Having watched the tennis tots demonstrate a few key pointers about the game, David Cumming, managing director of Southampton Airport, said: "They were very enthusiastic - and excellent ambassadors of how the games can provide new sporting opportunities and how they can develop young people's sporting skills.

"I am looking forward to an exciting day of sports and would actively encourage local people in Hampshire to support their borough's teams and join in the spirit of youth sports in the region."

Already established as the largest and most prestigious youth sporting event in the county, the Hampshire Youth Games is expected to be even bigger and better this year.

Thirteen local authorities from across the county will be represented by youngsters, aged nine to 14, competing in 11 different sporting disciplines - athletics, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, netball, rugby, squash, swimming, tennis and table tennis.

Additionally this year, there will be a parallel games dedicated to young people with learning and physical disabilities on Friday, June 6.

Significantly, the new venture coincides with the European Year of Disability.

As always, BAA Southampton Airport will be working in close partnership with Hampshire County Council, Sport England and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership.