FOUR Southampton youngsters met some hot competition when they travelled to Liverpool to take part in an inner-city tournament.

Ten-year-old Sean New, from Fairisle School, and 12-year-olds Paul Steart, from Oakwood School and Millbrook School's Adam Bryceland, and Stephen Agostinelli played teams from Liverpool, Manchester, Hull and London.

They fared well in their first appearance on the national stage, but, up against some of the best young players in the country, narrowly missed out on any victories.

David Lloyd tennis development officer Alison Beard, who organised the trip, said she was proud of the performance of her players.

"It was a fantastic weekend," she said. "The team did very well when you consider that we have only been together for six months and we were playing clubs that have been up and running for several years. It was a great experience and we are looking forward to taking some scalps next time."

Southampton has become only the 15th city in the country to receive special recognition from the Lawn Tennis Association. It means that the Pathways Southampton City Tennis Club will receive a boost of £5,000 a year to promote the sport in inner-city areas.

Successful after-school clubs are already running at David Lloyd Leisure, Millbrook, Bitterne and other areas around the city. Further events to promote inner-city tennis are being planned later in the year.

During the middle weekend of Wimbledon, on June 29 and 30, there will be free tennis sessions at Millbrook, Bitterne and Lordshill and, in October, the Cliff Richard Tennis Trail will visit ten schools in the Thornhill area, offering equipment and 20 hours of coaching.