Families across St Albans are set to go tennis crazy this summer with a series of four free ‘Great British Tennis Weekends’ smashing into town.

The first of the weekends is taking place this Saturday and Sunday, with parks and clubs offering free opportunities to pick up a racket as tennis fever begins to grip the nation in the lead up to Wimbledon.

People right across St Albans will be able to take part in Cardio Tennis, Mini Tennis, Family tennis and tennis coaching – all completely free as part of the LTA and Tennis Foundation’s drive to get more people playing more often. Venues will be providing rackets and balls, so if you’ve never tried tennis before or are a regular player, there really is no excuse not to visit an event and get involved.

Participating venues offering free tennis this weekend include Verulamium Park, Harpenden Sports Centre, Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, and Redbourn Public Tennis Club.

The dates for the four Great British Tennis weekends also include June 21-22, June 28-29 and July 19-20.

LTA Regional Participation Manager Leo Tutt said: "We are really excited that the Great British Tennis Weekends are hitting St Albans this summer. With so many park sites and clubs right across St Albans running their own Great British Tennis Weekends there really is something for everyone.

"I hope families take the opportunity to take part in these fantastic events and ready themselves for what is set to be St Albans' biggest ever summer of tennis, as we get behind Andy Murray and the British tennis stars."

Families can book in advance online and find out more information about local venues at www.greatbritishtennisweekend.com.