Judy Murray, mother of leading tennis players Andy and Jamie, today visited the Meadows Tennis Complex in Edinburgh to see the work being done to grow tennis in the local community.

As part of the day, Murray worked with pupils from nearby Sciennes Primary School who use the facilities for their curriculum PE classes.

The Meadows site was awarded Beacon status in March, in recognition of its high quality, affordable community tennis programmes and its excellent club and school links.

The site was selected by the Tennis Foundation, with the support of the Lawn Tennis Association and Tennis Scotland, along with 43 other Beacon sites around the country as part of AEGON Parks Tennis.

To become a ‘Beacon’ site, all facilities must offer access to free tennis; plus quality, affordable coaching and regular competitions for all ages and abilities.

Judy Murray said: “I've really enjoyed taking part in a tennis challenge with pupils from Sciennes Primary School today. It’s very important to give children access to tennis and build strong links with local clubs or public facilities like this school has with Meadows.

“Anyone can come along to Meadows, it is accessible, inexpensive and there’s a great programme in place for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in. In addition to the activity with the school children, it’s been fantastic to see all the other courts busy with other players and students.

She continued; “It’ great to see work being done to resurface and refurbish tennis courts in local parks to increase places to play across the UK. Parks tennis plays a big role in growing the game for British Tennis.”

Alex Harkins, tennis development officer for Edinburgh Leisure said: “The Meadows Tennis Centre is dedicated to working with schools in the local community and has forged a fantastic relationship with Sciennes Primary School in the past few years.

“The centre was delighted to help out with a recent fundraising initiative for the school’s sports programme and as a surprise to the children, approached Judy Murray to appear as a special guest.

“We have been working with all of the school's 600 pupils this week on their sponsored ‘keepie uppies’ and ‘rallies’ to raise funds and Judy Murray’s attendance at today’s event will be a huge boost to the children’s confidence and hopefully act as a catalyst to enhance their experience of playing tennis.”

Sue Mappin, Executive Director of the Tennis Foundation said: “Earlier this year we recognised the excellent work that was being done here by awarding the site Beacon status. Tennis is a great lifelong sport and to grow participation we need more facilities like these offering a fun, affordable tennis experience in communities nationwide. I am delighted Judy was able to see the Meadows’ work first hand as the special guest today.”

AEGON Parks Tennis aims to increase community access to tennis in parks and communities nationwide. Led by the Tennis Foundation and supported by the LTA, AEGON Parks Tennis is a key programme in British tennis’ drive to increase participation and grow tennis at all levels. The long-term aim is to have one beacon site acting as a centre of community tennis excellence in each of the 442 local authorities in Britain.