A TEENAGER who is making a name for himself in the tennis world met with Judy Murray and retired tennis professional Andrew Castle during an awards ceremony which saw him named runner-up.

Jonathon Dawes, 15, who runs a weekly tennis club at Rhyl High School and has been part of Rhyl Tennis Club for four years, achieved runner up at the British Tennis Awards.

The event was held at Wimbledon, last Tuesday (July 3). The dedicated tennis player is already looking to the future and plans to be back next year so he can 'bring it home'.

Jonathon, who in January won the Tennis Wales Young Volunteer of the year for his work in tennis both at the club and Rhyl High school, said: "I won the Welsh National one in January and I came runner up in the British. I was amazed to be a finalist and runner up - I'm hoping to bring the award home next year. I'm going to work as hard as I can.

"It was absolutely amazing to meet Andrew Castle and Judy Murray, who is Andy Murray's coach and mum. I also met Davis Cup captain Leon Smith.

"We spoke about their experience, about Rafael Nadal who was playing that day and who was going to win Wimbledon - my money is on Roger Federer!"

Jonathon was given some 'tips' and advice from Judy.

"We got to discuss coaching and she gave me some great tips how on how to improve my players and the programme in Rhyl overall," Jonathon added.

The year 10 pupil, who has sister Heather, 11, completed a 12-hour tennis marathon last year and raised more than £1,600 for Comic Relief.

Melanie, 48, Jonathon's mum who is married to Ken, 49, added: "We had a great day. Jonathon did so well to make it as a finalist but was up against super people who deserved to win. We were given centre court tickets, lunch and use of the hospitality suite all day and evening - it was lovely.

"We are so proud and unbelievably happy with Jonathon's achievements. We recognised his love of playing tennis from the age of seven/eight and his gift for coaching when he started assisting the club coach at Rhyl TC at the age of 12."

Jonathon will soon be taking up a new role at the tennis club - leader development officer. His role will include mentoring Rhyl tennis players, leaders and volunteers to try and help them become the best they can be.