Sophie's playing at Wimbledon

Shropshire tennis star Sophie Weston is making her mark on the hallowed turf of Wimbledon after winning through to the latter stages of a prestigious national tournament.

The Shifnal-based youngster is playing today's quarter-finals of the National under-14 Challenge at the All-England Club, following victories in the first two rounds.

Weston, who is top seed in the competition, beat Charlotte Pearce 6-1, 7-5, in the first round, before staging a comeback against Jazzamay Drew at the next stage to win 3-6, 6-1, 6-0.

She faces fifth seed Jasmine Horsey in today's quarter-final in a bid to progress further towards the finals - and the youngster is loving every minute of the experience.

"It is so exciting to be playing at Wimbledon and I can't believe I actually get the chance to play on the famous grass courts," Idsall School pupil Weston said.

"It is such an inspiring place - just walking around the grounds is a great experience and my family are here to enjoy the day.

"I can't wait to go back to school and tell everyone that I actually played at Wimbledon."

Also making an appearance at this week's tournament were fellow Shropshire youngsters Greg Bradburn and Joanne Bowen.

Bradburn's tournament came to a premature end at the last 32 stage of the consolation tournament when he dropped out through injury during his match with Scotland's Scott Duncan.

Bowen, meanwhile, missed out on a place in the quarter finals of the consolation competition when she lost 6-2, 6-1 to Francis Heale.

If Sophie wins today's quarter-final, she will progress to the semi-final later in the afternoon, ahead of a possible appearance in tomorrow's final.

Tournament director Paul Hutchins praised the high standard of tennis on display from the 128 competitors.