TENNIS bosses in the Borders are opening up their courts this weekend to offer free game time and coaching.

The Great British Tennis Weekend arrives in Galashiels on Saturday and Sunday.

Budding players of all ages are invited to pick up a racket as tennis fever begins to grip the nation ahead of Wimbledon.

Tennis Scotland's head of development Doc McKelvey said: “We are really excited that the Great British Tennis Weekend is hitting Scotland this summer.

"With so many park sites and clubs right across the west of the country running their own Great British Tennis Weekend there really is something for everyone.

"I hope families take the opportunity to take part in these fantastic events and ready themselves for what is set to be Scotland’s biggest ever summer of tennis, as we get behind Andy Murray and the British tennis stars.” Players will try tennis for free in a relaxed and fun environment and can take part in sessions including Cardio Tennis, Highland Spring Mini Tennis and tennis coaching – all completely free as part of Tennis Scotland, the LTA and Tennis Foundation’s drive to get more people playing.

The Borders Tennis Centre in Livingston Place, Galashiels, is one of three venues across the south of Scotland taking part.

To reserve your free place go to www.lta.org.uk/gbtw.