WINCHESTER MP Steve Brine has praised Winchester schools involved in a nationwide tennis programme.

The MP raised the issue during Prime Ministers’ Question Time yesterday.

Henry Beaufort and Kings’ School were flagged up to David Cameron for their work with the Tennis Foundation and the LTA’s Schools Tennis Programme.

St Swithun’s School, Weeke Primary and Shepherds Down Special School are also taking part.

The exchange in the House of Commons came on the same day Mr Brine organised a unique pre-Wimbledon event underneath Big Ben.

It was arranged to promote tennis for all ages, abilities and backgrounds, at a time when it takes centre stage for Wimbledon fortnight.

Lord Coe, Commons Speaker John Bercow and a raft of MPs joined in to help promote the sport as did Prime Minister David Cameron himself.

Mr Brine, who played a short game with former British Number 1 Greg Rusedski, said: “The LTA’s #TennisIS campaign is working really hard to bring tennis to everyone, not just those who are members of clubs and not just for two weeks each summer when Wimbledon takes place. I’m a huge tennis fan and love to play when I can, especially doubles which I think is the game at its best.”

Greg Rusedski added: “Tennis is a fantastic sport for all the family, a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time. I’m delighted to play tennis with some of the kids from the schools tennis programme which has given so many children their first taste of tennis”.

The event was a second meeting for Steve and Greg who met when the former player visited Winchester in March 2011 to open the new indoor courts at Winchester Tennis & Squash club.

Since 2009 the Aegon Schools Tennis Programme has reached two million school children, putting over 400,000 rackets in their hands and handed out nearly 800,000 tennis balls to young people across the UK.