A junior tennis player from Buckhurst Hill was among three Essex youngsters to be put through their paces after taking part in the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) National Talent ID Day in Roehampton.

The 11-year-olds, who train at Compete Redbridge, were among 41 youngsters from across the country invited to the session held at the National Tennis Centre and the Bolton Arena.

Cameron Isbell from Buckhurst Hill, Billericay’s Alexander Groves and Rittik Anand from Ilford showed off their skills in front of talent spotters from the LTA looking for future stars.

Cameron, pictured, who is a New Hall School pupil, said: “I thought it would be a lot of fun and I was really excited about going.

“I knew what I was doing because I had been to one before so I was able to prepare. I just love playing the game.”

Alexander, who also goes to New Hall School, added: “I wasn’t really feeling much nerves at all because I think it was something like my fifth talent ID day so I knew what to expect.

“It was good though. I’ve been working really hard on my forehand so I hoped I could show that.”

And Rittik, who goes to Valentines High School, said: “I certainly did the best I could and I had a lot of fun doing it. I like to hit forehands so I enjoyed the drills involving that the most.

“I am quite competitive so I enjoyed the opportunity to compete against the others.”

The day was overseen by LTA head of talent management Andrew Lewandowski, who was impressed by what he saw.

He said: “The players performed really well and showed lots of ability across a number of different tasks testing qualities including athletic ability, co-ordination, speed and agility and a real natural talent and love for the sport.

“It was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic and talented players give it their all.”