People of all ages and abilities across Wales are being invited to join Britain’s biggest summer of tennis.

The first of two Great British Tennis Weekends (GBTW) of 2016 takes place on May 14-15 at a variety of locations across Wales.

Organised by the Lawn Tennis Association and Tennis Wales, the free events are aimed at encouraging men, women and children of all backgrounds to enjoy playing one of the nation’s most loved sports with friends and family, no matter what their ability.

The weekends form the biggest public tennis event ever held in Britain, and are taking place across Wales this summer, including at: Swansea, Cardiff, Wrexham, Neath, Llanelli, Llanidloes, Newtown, Cwmbran, Caerphilly, Llantrisant, Ruthin, Bridgend, Usk, Pentyrch, Mold, Rhyl, and Penarth.

The two designated weekends are May 14-15 and July 16-17. Some GBTW events are taking place on other weekends too.

To find events in your area and book your free place, visit www.lta.org.uk/gbtw

“One of the great things about tennis is that anyone can play it, regardless of age or ability,” said Peter Drew, chief executive of Tennis Wales.

“Great British Tennis Weekends provide an opportunity for people to find out for themselves, as families and friends get together to try it for free in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

“Tennis isn’t all about serious competition – many of the GBTW events include exciting new formats such as cardio tennis, touch tennis, and mini tennis.”

Meanwhile, Local Tennis Leagues are being formed around Wales to enable players of all standards to play competitive matches on local courts.

Leagues are currently being run in Wrexham, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Cardiff, and are open to anyone aged 18 and over.

Local Tennis Leagues offer the chance to meet other players and play in competition, without the need to join a club, as matches are arranged to suit the players.

Information is available at www.localtennisleagues.com or from Tennis Wales.

Information on all aspects of tennis in Wales is available from Tennis Wales at 029 20 463335 or www.lta.org.uk/in-your-area/Wales/ and for regular updates follow Tennis Wales on Twitter @tenniswales