British Tennis starlet Katie Swan visited Thornden Tennis Club to take part in a question and answer session and offer encouragement and guidance to the junior players.

Katie, 17, who became the youngest British player in Federation Cup history in February, played in the Wimbledon main draw and in the junior draw but had to withdraw from the match due to injury.

Last year's Junior Australian Open finalist is a cousin of one of Thornden's young players, Freddie Swain, who became so inspired after watching her playing in Junior Wimbledon last year he began playing in August under Director of Tennis Paul Scullard.

His progress has been really impressive and he will be battling out the Boy’s Year 7 Final at the club this Sunday.

Bristol-born Katie, who moved to the US with her family three years ago, heard so much about Thornden Tennis Club from her aunt and cousin that she was determined to visit while in the UK for Wimbledon tennis this year.

She encouraged the junior players to work hard, keep focused on what they want to achieve and always try as hard as possible on the court when competing.

When asked whether she had any regrets she added that her biggest regret at present was that she had not been able to continue at Wimbledon after the first set due to her injury.

Katie was presented with an Honorary Membership of Thornden Tennis club by the Chairman, Matt Pitman, along with a club tee shirt as a souvenir of her visit. She then gave an impromptu coaching session.