NOTRE Dame High pupils are having a smashing time taking tennis out into the community.

The Judy Murray Foundation has put the school's young sports leaders through their paces and now they will use their skills to encourage other children to play.

It is part of a wider investment in the sport locally, with plans for an indoor tennis centre, classes in Greenock Sports Centre and sessions at hubs across Inverclyde.

Foundation chief executive Melodie Crumlin said: "We are delighted to be working so closely with the community in Inverclyde.

"We want to show how inclusive tennis is, it is a sport for people of all ages who can play indoors and outdoors.

"With the new indoor tennis centre proposed we want to make sure that the skills are there.

"It is brilliant to come along and work in Notre Dame High School with such great pupils.

"We want to encourage young people to get active and love sport.

"We also loved working with families in the hubs over the holidays."

Judy Murray Foundation ambassador Giulio Spella worked with pupils so that they can pass on their skills to younger children.

They will now go out into primary schools for coaching sessions.

Mhairi Moore, 16, said: "I love being active and it is great to work with the younger children.

"I would really like to go on and study sport in some way."

The Judy Murray Foundation has chosen Inverclyde as one of its target areas.

With two tennis clubs and top coaches already in the area and the indoor centre proposed by Inverclyde Leisure it is an ideal place to put down roots.

The foundation aims to give local people the skills they need to coach tennis and encourage more people to play.

Notre Dame High School principal teacher of PE Andy Armour is delighted with the latest class of sports leaders and the link-up with the Judy Murray Foundation.

He added: "We like to open up as many opportunities to our pupils as we can and make all sports inclusive."