Children at the Britannia Road Family Centre in Banbury could be budding tennis champions.

Steve Ashby with some of the children

Children as young as 18 months played with rackets and sponge balls as part of a drive towards more early-years exercise.

Concern has been expressed nationally that young people are overweight because of lack of activity -- and the family centre has been quick to respond.

Action Tots, run by Banbury Tennis Club coach Steve Ashby, is running a series of exercise classes.

Family centre manager Jan Capehorn said: "We have booked Steve for a few sessions for different age groups.

"He's teaching the very young, aged from 18 months to four years."

She said: "They are having fun. Getting exercise is difficult for many youngsters who live in houses with small or no gardens, especially at this time of the year. We hope this will help."

Mr Ashby said: "I hope to encourage children to become more active, use a bat and ball, and play tennis."

He said: "Champions of the future could be here today. There is a lot of natural talent about and a lot of it is missed. In America they pick up very early on kids who show aptitude for sport, but over here many talented youngsters are overlooked.

"Even those who do not go on to greater things will benefit."