FORMER tennis ace Tim Henman has served up a treat for students at a historic private school by opening a new tennis hub.

Stonyhurst College unveiled the new £580,000 Glassbrook Tennis Dome yesterday.

The hub will be used by the Jesuit school for tennis lessons and matches and will also be able to be booked by the public when available.

The former British number one said he was impressed at the new centre and hoped it will encourage people to get involved with the sport.

He said: “It’s not about making the next Wimbledon champion, its just about giving kids the chance to play tennis.

“Hopefully it will get people from all over the area interested in the sport and playing tennis by having this brilliant hub here.

“My interest from tennis came from having courts at school, so it’s great that this generation will have the chance to get involved.

“We want to be able to have facilities like this all over the country, it’s fantastic.”

The school already has several outdoor tennis courts as part of its campus but the new indoor centre, with two full-size courts, means children can play regardless of the weather.

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It took around nine months to complete and was named after Simon and Carolyn Glassbrook who helped with funding.

Headmaster John Browne said: “We’re very big on sports and this is a great development which should help more people get involved in tennis across the community.

“It’s very exciting to get Tim Henman to open it.

“Many young people dream of playing sports around the world like he did and who knows, this centre could help make a Wimbledon finalist.”

Youngsters also got the opportunity to rally with the former world number four as part of the opening.

Rolo Glassbrook, 10, said: “I’m really enjoying the new centre, I’m really happy with it its great.

“It was a big surprise when we found out Tim was coming.

“It was great to have someone come who has played tennis all around the world.”

Tennis coach at the school Lauren Banks said: “We have a massive amount of kids playing tennis already, it’s one of our biggest sports."