A young tennis player is on the way to becoming a future star.

Alessandro Ditrollio is only seven but has already reached regional level in the sport.

That means he has exceeded even county level in the eyes of the Lawn Tennis Association.

The youngster is coached by Sally Bentley, head coach at The Avenue LTC in Finchley.

Sally visits schools to search for the stars of tomorrow. She is currently looking for four and five year olds who are well co-ordinated and naturally athletic. "You can make a tennis player out of an athlete, but you cant make an athlete out of a tennis player," she said. "The natural athleticism is very important."

Of Alessandro, Sally said: "I met him at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Finchley two years ago – he turned seven at the end of last year. He showed natural ability and I have coached him ever since. He gained a place on my scholarship programme, the Mini-Aces, which gives a free lesson every week. He soon started to have individual lessons and has grown from strength to strength."

Sally is holding an open day for children born in 2005/6 at the Avenue LTC from 2pm on Monday (February 21).

For more information call 020 8830 7543.