A FREE tennis taster session served up plenty of fun for good sports in Barrhead.

Dozens of people got the chance to try out the sport at Cowan Park, thanks to the Tennis For Free scheme.

The national campaign aims to encourage more people to try the game by taking part in free coaching and game sessions.

A spokesman said: “It was great to see so many people at the taster session at Cowan Park.

“We are a charity that works with local councils, tennis clubs and coaches. We have a range of ways people can engage with tennis, from free walk on and play court access to more structured events.

“We believe that’s the formula for reinvigorating under-utilised park tennis facilities and encouraging new people into the sport of tennis in a fun and safe surrounding.

“The Tennis For Free sessions are family focused and facilitate the training of volunteers as tennis leaders, assistants and coaches. The parks we operate on feature all-year-round vibrant tennis sessions and services run for and by their local communities.”

Tennis For Free was established in 2004 to address the barriers for participation in the game and to bring the benefits of playing tennis and becoming actively engaged in sport to as many young people and families as possible.

In 2004, there were 30,000 public park tennis courts in the UK but, today, there are less than 10,000.

Experts believe there has never been a better opportunity to encourage more people in Scotland to take up tennis, with Dunblane ace Andy Murray currently occupying the world number one slot.

Both Andy and his brother Jamie are multiple Grand Slam winners, having claimed titles at the likes of Wimbledon.

For more information about how to get involved in tennis, visit www.tennisforfree.com.