Youngsters at an East Renfrewshire sports club were served up a real treat today as one of the most iconic trophies in tennis went on display.

There was huge excitement as the Davis Cup, which is more than three-and-a-half feet tall, arrived at Clarkston Bowling and Tennis Club.

The venue is one of just 11 across Scotland chosen for the trophy's nationwide tour ahead of Great Britain's matches in the Davis Cup by Rakuten tournament in Glasgow in September.

Great Britain captain Leon Smith honed his skills at the Clarkston club as a child and hopes that being able to see the famous trophy up close will inspire local youngsters to chase their dreams of sporting glory.

Leon, who grew up a short distance from the Clarkston courts and became a regular player there, said: “It’s wonderful to see the trophy visiting so many inspirational venues in Scotland and it was a particularly proud moment to speak to everyone at my former club as they got the chance to see such a special piece of the sport’s history.

"The trophy tour is the perfect way to galvanise the nation ahead of the competition in September, while inspiring youngsters and creating memories along the way.”

The Davis Cup is one of the most recognisable trophies in sport and Britain's past winners include Andy Murray and his brother Jamie.

Britain's next assignment will see them compete in the group stages of the competition as they face the USA, Kazakhstan and the Netherlands at the Emirates Arena, in Glasgow, from September 13-18.

The same venue will also host the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in November, after the International Tennis Federation announced that the 'women’s world cup of tennis' will return to Britain for only the fourth time in its six-decade history.

Olly Scadgell, participation director at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), said that, with those two events to look forward to and Wimbledon currently underway, this is the “perfect time" for young people to pick up a racquet and get on court.

He added: "We want to use the fact we are hosting the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup to bring more children into the sport and boost participation across the country.

"Our LTA Youth programme is designed to be easily accessible for all children, whatever their background or level of experience.

"Anyone interested in playing for the first time should go online and search for LTA Youth to find a course near them.”

Tickets for the Davis Cup by Rakuten ties at the Emirates Arena, priced from £10, are on sale at http://daviscupfinals.lta.org.uk.