ONE of the biggest stars of British Men's tennis is set to play a special charity match at Burnley Tennis Club this weekend.

Jeremy Bates, who dominated the sport in this country before the emergence of Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski, has been invited to play in a special invitation event to help raise funds for West End Junior Football team.

Bates will pass on some useful coaching tips to budding youngsters alongside club coach Mark Rushton before taking part in a doubles match with Lancashire captain Eric Knowles of Feniscowles and top junior stars John Chesworth (from Simonstone) and Ken Scupski (Liverpool).

The event, organised by Bates' cousin Steve Keogh who runs the West End Junior team, starts at 1pm on Saturday.

It represents another feather in the cap of Burnley Tennis Club which is currently thriving after a £130,000 Lottery Grant and boasts some of the best facilities in the region.

Tickets are priced £3, including refreshments, and will be available on the day but the junior coaching is by invitation only.

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