A rising tennis star has been recognised for her contribution to the game both on and off the court.

Marcelle Lowe, from Chalk, was named Young Person of the Year in the Kent Lawn Tennis Association annual awards earlier this month, with judges recognising her achievements as both a player and a coach, and as an inspiration for younger female players within Gravesham and around Kent.

The 18-year-old, who studies at Mayfield Grammar School, was cheered on by fellow members from Gravesham Lawn Tennis Club at a special award nights in Maidstone on Saturday March 2.

Dad Lawrie Lowe said it was "one of the proudest days in our lives" and that the award was "truly deserved."

He added: "Tennis has brought us as a family so much pleasure and achievements, as well as great friendships over the past few years. Marcelle is a great example of how tennis can inspire and encourage young members of our community to keep fit, learn social skills and play competitive sport in a safe environment from any age starting as young as five and still be playing into your later years."

Marcelle, a former St John's School pupil, took up tennis at the age of six, encouraged by her tennis-loving family and a keen coaching team, and quickly became a rising star in the junior ranks, winning many local competitions in her age groups, including the North Kent Junior Cup Competitions in singles and doubles.

At the age of 14 she started representing Gravesham Lawn Tennis Club at a senior level and has won several events over the last four years, including the North Kent Cup Mixed doubles Senior event last summer with long-standing partner Mikey Suleau.

Marcelle moved her focus into coaching, around five years ago, and now coaches five days a week, either at Gravesham L.T.C or at schools and community halls.

She's also inspired youngsters to join the ‘Tennis family’ and coaching programme, especially focusing in 2018-19 on the TENNIS FOR KIDS initiative, ‘little Miss hits’ and the ‘She rallies courses’ whilst also running Summer camps in Gravesham.