MP ANDREW Miller has teamed up with former British number one Greg Rusedski to help more people play tennis.

The Ellesmere Port and Neston MP is backing the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) in its Allplay campaign, launched this summer.

Allplay helps people find courts, coaches and partners of a similar ability. More than 6,700 people have so far signed up to the scheme on the campaign’s website.

Mr Miller said: “This is a great initiative that I hope will encourage many people of all ages to try their hand at tennis.”

Mr Rusedski added: “Tennis is a fun sport that keeps you fit and the whole family can play together.

“I’m delighted to be part of the Allplay campaign – it’s fantastic and proves how simple it is to pick up a racket and start playing tennis.”

As part of the initiative, Olympic champion Denise Lewis, broadcaster Jamie Theakston and presenters Tim Lovejoy and Lorraine Kelly have agreed to take up tennis. The four celebrities – who were novice players when they started training – will show off their new skills at the AEGON Masters in the Royal Albert Hall in December.

LTA chief executive Roger Draper said: “As the national governing body for tennis in this country, our goal is to grow and sustain the sport and helping more people play tennis is a top priority for us.

“Tennis is a sport that you can play whether you’re eight or 83. There are more than 20,000 courts around the country, with hundreds of free courts on many park sites.”

To find a playing partner, court or coach, register at www.allplaytennis.com.