A STAR tennis player has become the county champion.

Maisie Seedle, 9, of Farnham Common, has recently become the county champion for Buckinghamshire. Maisie put up an exceptional performance throughout the tournament, winning her two semi-final sets 7-1 and 7-luv, then going to win the final 7-1 and 7-2.

Her mother, Jodie Seedle, said: "She really dominated as she went through the tournament – she's been training since she was four. Her training never stops to be honest. Even when we are on holiday, she trains at local courts. Although she's one of the youngest, she's number one on her team.

"She was thrilled, absolutely thrilled, to win the tournament. She trains three times a week, even in the rain and the snow. So for her to win a big tournament like this makes it all worthwhile.

Ms Seedle continued: "She's the first of my children to get into sport. It's been a big learning curve for her, as well as myself. I've learned that unless you start at four, you stand little chance of succeeding in tennis - its one of the most difficult sports to get into.

"She's obsessed with tennis now - she'd train seven days a week if she could, but we only let her train three days to make sure she has time to be a kid. We're taking her to Surrey to train, so she can play with children who are more up to her standard.

"She's really proud of herself, and is looking forward to next year."