Some of the world’s most exciting new tennis talent will feature in a showcase Wirral tournament next week.

Players ranked between 150 and 500 in the world will battle it out for a $10,000 prize in the Aegon GB Pro-Series event at Wirral Tennis and Sports Centre.

The UK's leading lights - British number three Josh Goodall and Dan Smethurst ranked at seven - will be in the field.

Last year’s runner up Jerzy Janowicz from Poland has now broken into the top 30 in the world after beating world number three and Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray on his way to the final of the Paris Masters in 2012.

Councillor Chris Meaden, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, said: “It is fantastic for Wirral to be able to offer some really competitive sport, available to everyone for free and at a modern facility like the Tennis & Sports Centre.

"Aspiring Andy Murray’s will be able to see some of the cream of the world’s tennis players battle it out over a week of competition.”

The free event at the Bidston-based tennis centre will take place from this Sunday, February 3,  and will continue to Saturday, February 9.

Play starts at 9am each day and will finish around 7pm or 8pm.

Qualifying takes place on Sunday and Monday, with the main draw starting on Tuesday.

For more information visit www.wirral.gov.uk or call 0151 606 2010.