SIX up-and-coming young tennis players from Bournemouth and Ringwood have been highlighted as some of the brightest talents in the country.

They have been included on the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) AEGON FutureStars programme.

The emerging stars have earned their place on the programme following a successful year on court and will now receive added support from the LTA.

The players from Bournemouth are Piers Farhang, 15, who trains at David Lloyd Southampton, and a quartet who train at West Hants – Sophia Haine (15), Tim Jarvis (eight), Eliz Maloney (12) and Erin Richardson (10).

Also included in the programme is Toby Samuels, from Ringwood, who also trains at West Hants.

The AEGON FutureStars programme recognises and supports some of the best juniors in the country based on the individual player’s talent ID assessment for players aged 13 and under, and rankings for all other age groups.

The talented youngsters have been included as part of the 2013 intake of players and will be part of a group of 486 top juniors from around the country who all receive varying levels of funding and support from the LTA.

Leon Smith, LTA Head of Men’s and Women’s Tennis, said: “We are committed to identifying and supporting our most talented players, and the AEGON FutureStars programme is central to this process for young players who are starting out in the game.

“It’s a long journey for any player hoping to make an impact on the game but we hope that with the right support, these players are given the best possible chance of reaching their full potential.”

British number two Heather Watson added: “I hope these players use this support to help them achieve their dream of playing at the highest level.”