Cheam High School's tennis stars are the best in the country and that's official.

Already the 1988 Midland Bank English Schools Champions, the school picked up the Lawn Tennis Association's School of the Year Trophy at Wimbledon's All England Tennis Club on Friday night.

"We are delighted to have won the LTA School of the Year title," said Head Teacher John Vaughan who was presented with the prestigious trophy by LTA President Sir Geoffrey Cass.

"The pupils and coaches have worked extremely hard and all the credit goes to them for their dedication and determination to become the top tennis school in the country."

Former British No 1s Jeremy Bates and Mark Cox were among the judges who nominated the Chatsworth Road school for its excellent national reputation in developing junior players. Judges also highlighted the school's pioneering teaming up with the Sutton Junior Tennis Centre to launch the Cheam High School Tennis Scholarship Scheme. Twenty youngsters are currently benefiting from the scheme.

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