DORSET Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has crowned Weymouth Tennis Club’s Julien Lawes the best coach in the county at its annual award ceremony.

The 24-year-old beat off competition from coaches at more than 40 other clubs in Dorset to win the accolade that he narrowly missed out on last year, having been shortlisted then as well.

Meanwhile, Weymouth Tennis Club was nominated for the Dorset club of the year award and junior technical co-ordinator Chris Penny was also nominated for her service to the sport in the county.

James Deem, the LTA’s development officer for Dorset and Somer-set, said: “Julien has built himself a reputation on a couple of fronts.

“The young players coming out of his sessions are getting better and he also works with us excellently.

“He wants to have a good relationship with us and there has been a real improvement with his standard across the board in the last year. He deserves his award and is someone we are looking to support to help develop tennis further.”

Lawes admitted he was a little surprised at being honoured by the LTA but was delighted nonetheless.

He said: “It was quite unexpected because last year I got nominated and didn’t get it – I wasn’t very hopeful this year either.

“It’s a really good feeling to win it but the only way I got it was bec-ause of the hard work my players have been putting into competitions around Dorset.

“All I have been doing is giving them the information, it is them who have been putting it into action.

“I’m ultra competitive and want my players to really do well and I think that comes across.”

Lawes was not able to make the ceremony so did not know about it until Weymouth Tennis Club’s junior secretary Dave Mogford presented it to him during a junior coaching session.

“It was nice to get it in front of all the players and helpers,” said Lawes. “I couldn’t have done it without all the help from the tennis club or the players.”

Mogford added: “Julien has worked so hard and is very dedicated to what he is doing. He thoroughly deserves recognition for what he has achieved, particularly being so young.”

n Weymouth Tennis Club’s junior section welcomes all children, whether they are members or not.

Anyone wishing to give it a try can turn up at 9am on a Saturday morning – the first session is free.