A YOUNG tennis player from Thorndon Cross has been selected to play for his county.

Ten-year-old Henry Harbron, a pupil at Boasley Cross Primary School, has been on Devon's 'One to Watch' list since his family moved from London three years ago.

In January, Henry enjoyed a late Christmas present when he received a letter asking him to play tennis for Devon Under 10s.

His first match is on Sunday March 13 at Exeter Tennis Club, where he will play mixed doubles matches against players from other counties across the South West.

Henry first picked up a racket at the age of four, playing with a plastic racket and a balloon in the sitting room of his family home. Judging by the power of his serve, he probably isn't allowed to play indoors any more!

He started going along to games with his mother, Frances, also a keen tennis player, and was soon spotted for his talent and began playing at a West London performance centre.

When his parents moved from West London to West Devon, Henry kept his passion for tennis and started playing at Exeter Tennis Centre, based at the university.

Frances said: 'The tennis in Devon is great, and Exeter Tennis Centre have been absolutely fantastic. They've worked really hard with Henry.

'He's got a fantastic coach, Charlotte Wallace, and this season in particular Henry has really flourished.

'He's worked really hard with Charlotte and together they have been achieving the targets they've been setting, which is why he has won three tournaments already this season.'

Henry trains at the centre in Exeter three days per week, with one of his sessions taking place before school on Wednesday morning, meaning he is up at 6am.

Henry said: 'It's worth the early starts. I really love playing tennis because it's really good fun and you get to meet lots of new friends.

'I do like computer games, but I'd prefer to be out playing sport.'

Henry also finds time to play football for Bratton Clovelly, practice judo, play rugby and even swim.

Boasley Cross Primary School takes sport very seriously.?It has a Healthy Schools award, and pupils do a variety of fun and healthy activities, including 'Shake Awake' every morning.

Henry's class teacher, Michelle Batstone, said: 'Henry is just amazing at any sport he plays. We are very proud of him for getting to the level he has, and we are hoping his success will inspire the other children to achieve great things as well. I'm pretty sure we'll see him at Wimbledon one day.'

Henry has already been to the hallowed home of tennis for a visit, during which he recorded a staggering 75mph serve.

He added: 'Wimbledon is great. Henman is one of my favourites, but Roger Federer is the best.

'I want to play at Wimbledon one day. Work hard enough for anything and you will reap the rewards!'