Scores of children joined their parents on the courts of the Northumberland Club in Jesmond, to take part in a family tennis Fun Day.
Children as young as five enjoyed a variety of tennis based activities led by members of Northumberland Club's coaching staff, as well as volunteers from Newcastle University tennis teams.
The day was organised by the club's Assistant Manager Graeme Manwell, to help spark a new generation of tennis players in the North East.
Manwell said: "The day isn’t about tennis coaching; it's about having fun and getting as many new people as possible to give tennis a go. Hopefully many of today’s participants will go on to play and enjoy tennis for many years to come."
Despite rainy conditions in Jesmond, Northumberland Club Chairman Bill Lomas was delighted with the turnout.
Lomas said: "We've had about 150 youngsters here this morning, and if they continue playing, perhaps we will see some top stars emerging in Newcastle. And who knows, we might have a Wimbledon winner in the next ten years!"
Guests were also treated to world class professional tennis, as the final of the Aegon GB Pro-Series Newcastle was played out on the club's clay courts after the fun day. A large crowd braved the cool conditions to watch 21-year-old Briton Ashley Hewitt defeat Axel Michon of France, 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 in the final, to win his first ever Pro Series title.