St Mary's College student Charlie Hutchings who has successfully made it through to the Tennis National Championships.

Charlie, 18, from Blackburn, participated in the British Colleges Tennis Tournament in December of last year and battled against 15 other competitors to win the whole competition. Next he will be pitted against players from across the UK in the National Championships, which are to be held in Newcastle in April.

Charlie started playing tennis when he was 6 years old, mainly due to the fact that his father was a tennis coach. Due to his determination and tough training regime he quickly made it up the rankings in the under 16 category and was often placed within the Top 20 in Great Britain. He was the Lancashire County Champion in both the Singles and Doubles.

Charlie was also awarded the Donald Race & Newton Sports Award at our annual Prize Night due to his sporting achievements. The prize was a monetary donation to help fund his travel expenses while competing, coaching fees and new kit.

Sports teacher Ms Sharp Reynolds said on his achievement, “Charlie battled well throughout the stages of the competition. The final was a thriller with Charlie dominating the match, demonstrating some fantastic tennis. All of us at SMC congratulate Charlie’s amazing achievement”.