Tennis clubs around the region will be throwing their doors open and offering free coaching this weekend as part of the Great British Tennis Weekend.

The national Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) initiative is aimed at getting more people playing tennis and will see around 1,500 parks and clubs offer free tennis opportunities around the country.

Locally, the Norfolk LTA has set a target of getting another 4,000 people playing tennis regularly by 2018, to increase the county total to 10,000 regular players of the game.

Last year's one-off Great British Tennis Weekend saw over 7,500 people take to the courts of 39 venues on a single weekend, so the LTA has expanded the initiative this year.

This weekend is the first of four weekends – followed by June 21-22, June 28-29 and July 19-20 – which will see sessions such as cardio tennis, mini tennis, disability tennis and free coaching being offered.

Stuart Silvester, spokesman for the Norfolk LTA, said: 'The purpose of the Great British Tennis Weekend is to offer a free tennis experience to anybody of any age. It really doesn't matter whether you have played the game before or not, clubs across the county will be opening their gates and offering different and exciting ways to enjoy the game.

'From mini tennis for children as young as three, to cardio tennis for those who would like a serious workout, disability sessions will be running at some clubs also.

'The coaching sessions will all be free and there will be no court fees. Even if you don't own a racket come along, I'm sure you will find the equipment you need to enjoy the game.'

Search for details of events happening in your area at www.greatbritishtennisweekend.com.