THEODORE Purkis, a 10 year old pupil at The Grange Preparatory school in Monmouth, has received an early Christmas present by being selected to play tennis for Great Britain. These matches will take place in London in January against France.

“I am absolutely thrilled”, Theo told the Beacon. “It will be an honour to play for my country.

“A big thank you to my coach Nick Edwards, Monmouth coach Chris Davis, Mrs Thomas, head of the Grange and my parents, for their continued hard work and support.”