ONE of Cornwall's blossoming young sporting talents, nine-year-old Claire Tresidder, has a bright future according to her school's physical education teacher.

Mr Harry Roberts, who teaches at St Francis School, in Falmouth, said the school was delighted with the progress being shown by Claire following her trips all over the country representing Cornwall.

"Claire is extremely talented," said Mr Roberts "and excels at virtually everything she does. She is an excellent all-rounder and is obviously an asset to the school because the younger children look up to her because of her achievements."

Claire is the county champion in the closed tournaments at u10 in the singles and doubles and was also runner-up in the higher age group of u12. She represented Cornwall in the u13s at Doncaster and played for the county u10s at Bournemouth and Ashburton.

It's not only playing for Cornwall that ensures Claire is focused on the task in hand, because in between she attends Bath University after being invited to attend the South West Talent Camp.

Next month she will be at the university representing Cornwall in a South West invitation tournament.

Mr Roberts, himself a former athlete who is well aware of the pitfalls, said that it is always quite an achievement for anyone in Cornwall to make it on a national level because of the lack of provision of facilities and the endless hours of travelling.

"Claire is fairly disciplined about her tennis," said Mr Roberts "but it is not at the expense of her education and just as talented as she is on the tennis court she is equally bright academically.

"That is a good position to be in, but if she is to succeed at tennis - and I can see her playing at Wimbledon in the future - like everyone else in the county she will need support.

"She has fantastic parents in Alan and Jackie (and sister Sarah, a county netball player), who provide a massive contribution both financially and by travelling with her, but extra support is vital if she is to be encouraged to continue over the next few years.

"Anyone who wants Cornish youngsters - such as Claire - to succeed may be willing to help out financially, even the smallest amounts of sponsorship are very welcome."

Mr Roberts said Claire would be moving up a year in the next school year and he would be sorry to lose her, but one thing that won't be lost is her record of achievement.

"When Claire moves on to her next school they will already be aware of her talent because throughout her time here we have kept - along with every other pupil - a record of achievement which is passed on and can instantly be picked up on."

The Tresidder family can be contacted on 01326 315974.