The event, which was attended by London 2012 wheelchair tennis player Louise Hunt, was part of the schools tennis programme run by the Tennis Foundation and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) which aims to promote tennis as a sport for all ages and abilities.

The ten schools won the chance to play tennis under Big Ben after entering the Road to Westminster digital competition that gave pupils the opportunity to make a video talking about, and celebrating, the tennis they play in their school.

Isaac Newton Primary School from Lincolnshire won the competition and head teacher Paul Hill added: "We're thrilled to have won British Tennis' Road to Westminster competition and bring some of our pupils to play in such an iconic location.

"The children really love playing tennis at school and thanks to the support of the Tennis Foundation, we have equipment that means we can play indoors or outdoors whenever it suits us.

"Playing tennis keeps them healthy and also keeps their minds focussed so they perform better in the classroom too."

Earlier this year the LTA seen funding for its participation programmes cut after Sport England figures released last December showed the number of people playing tennis for at least 30 minutes a week dropped nine per cent to 406,000 from 445,000 in 2012.

Sport England reduced funding for LTA programmes targeting 16-25-year-olds and has instead decided to re-invest that money into a pilot project with a local authority focussing on park court usage.

A pot of £1.9 million ($3.1 million/€2.3 million) has been provided for participation for one year only, but Sport England did reveal they will support the LTA's education/satellite club programme for a further three years at a cost of £360,000 ($597,000/€440,000) per year as a result of the successful results seen through the scheme.

British Primie Minister David Cameron meets pupils taking part in the schools tennis programme outside Westminster today ©LTA



The schools tennis programme has been running since April 2009 and organisers claim that it has supported 18,000 schools with free teacher training, resources and equipment.

Commenting on the programme, LTA chief executive, Michael Downey said: "Our partnership with the Tennis Foundation delivers tennis to thousands of primary, special, and secondary schools across Great Britain, and is integral to the long term growth of our great game.

"Next week, Wimbledon will inspire many young people to pick up a racket and play, and we are determined to ensure as many young people as possible have the chance to take part and enjoy tennis in our school system, and make tennis a sport they play throughout their lives."

London will be the focus of the tennis world over the next two weeks as the Wimbledon Championships take centre stage due to take place from June 23 to July 6.

Andy Murray will be looking to continue his form from Queen's Club as he sets out to defend his historic men's singles win last year while women's champion Marion Bartoli from France will not be in action as she retired from tennis soon after winning the title.

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