Nine children from Toftwood Infant School took their first steps to becoming the next Andy Murray or Johanna Konta when they took part in a tennis festival organised by the West Norwich & Dereham School Sport Partnership.

Dereham Times: Youngsters from Toftwood Infant School took part in a tennis festival. Picture: Christine GoldYoungsters from Toftwood Infant School took part in a tennis festival. Picture: Christine Gold (Image: Christine Gold)

They joined other schools at the Easton Tennis Centre to take part in a range of activities designed to develop the skills needed to play tennis.

The children tried balancing a ball on their racket, floor tennis, throwing and catching games, relay games, bouncing a ball with the racket, and hitting a target over the net.

Organisers awarded a certificate to one member from each school team who had shown good team work. A pupil from Year 1 was chosen for her care and awareness of the younger players.

Teacher Christine Gold said: 'A wonderful morning was had. Everyone was then eager to watch Wimbledon to see some of the skills we learned being used in a professional tennis game.'

Dereham Times: Youngsters from Toftwood Infant School took part in a tennis festival. Picture: Christine GoldYoungsters from Toftwood Infant School took part in a tennis festival. Picture: Christine Gold (Image: Christine Gold)

Dereham Times: Youngsters from Toftwood Infant School took part in a tennis festival. Picture: Christine GoldYoungsters from Toftwood Infant School took part in a tennis festival. Picture: Christine Gold (Image: Christine Gold)

Dereham Times: Youngsters from Toftwood Infant School took part in a tennis festival. Picture: Christine GoldYoungsters from Toftwood Infant School took part in a tennis festival. Picture: Christine Gold (Image: Christine Gold)