A LUCKY group of students were given the opportunity of a lifetime to play alongside tennis stars at the Royal Albert Hall.

The ATP Champions Tour gave 24 students from Charters School an opportunity to become ball kids by collecting balls and ensuring the players received new ones for their service games.

The tournament was held from December 6 to Sunday, 9 and one lucky student go the chance to play alongside Tim Henman when Xavier Malisse handed him his racquet.

Kaya Campion, a year 10 pupil said: "Even though I lost the point, the whole event was an experience I will never forget and I would love to do it again.

"Although I was nervous at the start, being a part of such a prestigious event was incredible."

Students also got to experience high quality tennis being played by World No. 1 stars, Grand Slam singles finalists and Davis Cup team members who have retired from the ATP circuit.

Mrs Kirstie Hartwell, head of PE said: "The students worked incredibly hard to prepare for their role in the weeks leading up to the tournament and thrived under the pressure of the cameras and the spotlights.

"Watching the skill of the players at close quarters was inspirational and it is an experience of a lifetime they will never forget. I am very proud of the students and each embodied the schools motto of unity, respect and excellence."

Headteacher Richard Pilgrim said: "Working at the ATP Champions tennis competition was a wonderful opportunity for our students.

"They demonstrated concentration and focus throughout the four-day tournament and were a credit to Charters school."