A Pershore tennis star has taken to the lawns of Wimbledon for the largest mass tournament in the UK.

Naomie Tarver, 37, a physiotherapist and member of Pershore Tennis Club, enjoyed an unforgettable experience as she competed wheelchair events in the national finals of the Play Your Way to Wimbledon event.

The competition, supported by Vodafone, sees thousands of players participating in the regional and county finals before progressing to the nationals, which were held at Wimbledon's Aorangi Courts this year.

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Tarver said: "It's been a really good experience, even though it is tough pushing on the grass, because it’s a great place to play tennis – the tennis of dreams is played here.

"We were here a few weeks ago watching the actual Wimbledon being played, so to be back here playing on the courts is amazing.

"Using the same facilities as the pros is pretty cool and so is playing on the courts where the tennis greats play."

The competition aims to inspire the next generation of tennis talent by giving players of all ages to compete on the famous Wimbledon courts.

This year, the event has witnessed the highest participation ever, as different categories were introduced for visual impairment, learning disability, wheelchair tennis, which Tarver competed in, and an adult doubles pathway.

Former British number one and Vodafone Ambassador Tim Henman, who attended the tournament, said: "Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is an incredible opportunity for people from every walk of life to pick up a racket and get involved and it's been great to see so many players taking part in this year's competition."

Also present at the event was Laura Robson, another former British number one and Vodafone Ambassador, who led a coaching clinic with the All England Club’s head coach Dan Bloxham.

She said: "I played this competition when it was ‘Road to Wimbledon’ - just about everyone who is currently in British tennis has played at this event, so hopefully we can create some good memories for the players out there."