Berkhamsted Elite Tennis Academy (BETA) is based at the town's tennis club and gives top training to some of the country's brightest up and coming stars.

But the academy's director says that the some of the country's top talent could be passing them by as parents struggle to pay for their kids to play.

"It's an expensive sport with lessons and equipment, and they have to travel big distances to compete – the best players have to travel internationally" said Tyrell Diaz Stevens.

"It's one of my aims to help kids who can't afford to play tennis – it's so expensive for them they go and play something else that's a lot cheaper.

"It's one of the problems with British tennis it's so costly it's hard to get a range of athletes playing."

The former ATP-ranked Australian is offering two sponsorship packages to businesses.

One will get a company's branding on the hoodies and tracksuits of the 35 elite players at a cost of £1,500.

The other, at a price of £2,000, will see the name plastered on boards, banners and vehicles at the club as well as clothing.

If you are interested in sponsoring or want to find out more about the academy go to www.betacademy.co.uk, email info@betacademy.co.uk or call 07758 631370