FAMOUS tennis mum and coach Judy Murray OBE is set to inspire the next generation of talent in Inverclyde.

Judy - whose Wimbledon-winning sons Andy and Jamie have both been world number 1 in the sport - has pledged to support a new £1.5 million indoor facility which will be developed in Inverclyde.

Rankin Park has been earmarked as a site for the indoor courts, and the exciting new project would allow people to play tennis all year round despite the weather.

Judy recently made a surprise visit to Cappielow and discussed plans for the facility with key players locally.

She told the Telegraph: “There are some very exciting plans for an indoor tennis facility in the Greenock area.

"I’m looking forward to working with tennis development officer Stephanie Norris and partnering Morton Community Trust and Inverclyde Leisure to develop a big local delivery workforce of teachers, youth workers, students, parents, tennis club members and coaches."

The top coach says she has plans to make tennis more accessible to people in the district.

She said: "It’s all about training people in the community to create lots of fun tennis sessions and competitions in the schools, parks and clubs so that many more adults, teens and kids have the chance to play."

Development officer Stephanie, the new head coach for Ardgowan and Fort Matilda tennis clubs, was a former pupil of Judy's.

She said: "Judy was national coach when I was about 12.

"She was enthusiastic as a coach and really passionate about the sport.

"It's pretty amazing that she has picked this area and with the indoor courts coming along, it's a great time to be involved in tennis.

"She's really nice and down to earth, especially now that she is pretty famous.

"I knew her before all that happened and she was quite nurturing as a coach and has helped me."

Councillors recently agreed to plough an additional £150,000 into the indoor facility, bringing the local authority's total contribution to £500,000.

Additional funding is being sought from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Sportscotland administered by Tennis Scotland.

Chris Jewell, the convener of tennis at Ardgowan club and a project steering group member, said: "All those involved in tennis locally are hugely excited about an indoor arena.

"It's not hard to forget that it rains 203 days a year here.

"Indoor facilities are critically needed and should allow for a much greater participation in tennis from an early age."

A council spokesman said: “A contribution of £500,000 towards the new tennis facility was agreed as part of the budget setting process.

"The council is committed to investing in sport and leisure to improve opportunities for communities, along with the associated health and social benefits they bring.”