An innovative tennis game will see its first tournament held i Epping Forest on Monday.

Touchtennis was devised in 2002 by a father as a way of entertaining his daughter in the back garden and is now recognised and promoted by the Lawn Tennis Association.

Epping Tennis Club in Bury Lane, Epping, will host a Wilson 300 Series event on Monday at which the touchtennis world number one and two will be competing.

Head coach at the club David Watson, who will be playing in the event, said: “It’s very exciting to have a tournament in Epping.

“I’ll have a go but I expect to get smashed all over the court by these guys. They’re incredibly good.”

Touchtennis is a miniaturised version of tennis which using a smaller court and net and softer balls which promotes a skilful rather than powerful style of play.

For more information email David Watson on david_winner@hotmail.co.uk