TENNIS stars of the future will be able to train at a new £1million state-of-the-art indoor tennis centre in Weymouth.

The innovative centre, at the Wey Valley School and Sports College, is expected to be in operation in the autumn.

The project is being financed through grants from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Department for Children, Families and Schools, school capital funds and grants from Dorset County Council.

Planning approval from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council has been granted and will enable building work to start at the school this summer to construct the indoor centre over the existing four outside courts.

The building will also provide spectator viewing facilities and office space.

The scheme is part of the joint development, with Weymouth College, of the Wey Valley and Redlands sites to create a ‘community hub’ to provide the community with access to increasing facilities after school hours, weekends and during holiday periods.

Wey Valley headteacher, Phil Thomas said: “This is a fantastic addition to the already excellent sports facilities at the school.

“We are the only Badminton Academy in the region and I am proud that this campus development will enhance community opportunities throughout the year, raising the standard of tennis our students will be able to attain.

“It will be the only such facility between Bournemouth and Exeter and will become a centre of excellence.”

And the school’s director of specialism, Richard Edgeley, said he was delighted to see the project come to fruition.

He added: “This facility will be state-of-the-art and really put tennis on the map in Weymouth.

“As a sports college we are committed to enhancing young people’s opportunities to participate in high quality sport. This facility will allow us to deliver this.

“The LTA and Weymouth Tennis Club have been excellent partners in this development and we truly see this as a community facility and part of the 2012 Sporting Legacy.”

Matt James, the LTA’s head of UK performance and growth, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide the Wey Valley School and Sports College with this investment. Indoor tennis centres are a fantastic benefit to any club, providing more opportunity for people to play for longer, particularly through the winter months. As a result it is likely to boost regular participation in tennis.

“Improving and increasing the number of facilities for the whole community is an integral aspect of the LTA’s overarching plan for British tennis.

“With the support of Sport England, the LTA is dedicated to continuing its investment in grassroots and the community to increase the number of people playing tennis, keeping people in the game and supporting talented players to achieve their potential.”