A leading Colchester tennis player is bound for the USA in a bid to further his dream of becoming Britain's next Tim Henman.

Leon Jennings, of Miller Lane, Stanway, has worked as the resident tennis coach at the Five Lakes Golf and Country Club in Tolleshunt Knights since October 1997.

But next month the 22-year-old heads for California to take up a four-year tennis-playing placement at the Grossmont College in San Diego.

Leon, a former Colchester Open and Cranston Park Open winner, sent a video of himself playing to a number of American colleges - and received offers from seven of them.

He eventually chose Grossmont because of its excellent tennis playing facilities - and its location within California.

He will spend much of the morning studying while the afternoon will be spent playing the sport he loves.

He said: "I mainly chose Grossmont because it's in California, which has obvious benefits, and because it has ten tennis courts. I can't wait. It's a dream come true. I hope eventually I'll get on the world tour."

Leon is looking for sponsorship to help with the trip. Anyone able to help can call him on 07979 506697.

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