Tennis sessions designed specifically for people who are vision impaired are being offered in the  Great Yarmouth area.

The special tennis sessions will be held at Gorleston Tennis Club in Orde Avenue.

These sessions are led by LTA-accredited coach, Mike Reynolds, who is partnering with sight loss charity, Vision Norfolk, for the initiative in the hope of demonstrating that the disability is not a barrier to getting on the court.

He will be assisted by one of his vision impaired students, who has experience playing in national championships.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Edward Bates of Vision Norfolk Great Yarmouth tried his hand at tennis Edward Bates of Vision Norfolk Great Yarmouth tried his hand at tennis (Image: Newman Associates PR)

Mr Reynolds said: “Vision impaired tennis has been around for a number of years, and we are hoping to show that even those with serious sight loss can take part in the sport.

“We use special tennis balls, some of which have beads or bells in them so that they make a noise as they move.

"For those with a little more sight, we use larger than normal balls which are designed to travel more slowly through the air.”

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Depending on their visual impairment severity, players can let the ball bounce two or three times before striking it - giving them time to gauge where the ball is on the court.

Vision Norfolk' Great Yarmouth hub co-ordinator, Edward Bates, said: “I have played blind cricket, but have never attempted tennis.

“There is a real satisfaction in hitting a ball, and I would definitely recommend this as an activity, whatever the extent of your sight loss.”

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The taster session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23 at 10.30am.

Places are free but they must be booked in advance.

For more information, interested individuals can contact Vision Norfolk’s Great Yarmouth hub on 01493 745973 or by emailing greatyarmouthhub@visionnorfolk.org.uk.