Additional reporting by Daniel Hodgson

A nine-year-old competition winner described feeling 'exhausted' after an exciting private lesson with tennis professional Tim Henman.

Sam Dennison from Kingsdown won the opportunity with the former British number 1 after entering a national draw run by the Tim Henman Foundation last year.

In a 45-minute session at Deal Indoor Tennis Centre this afternoon, the star shared his expertise with the Kingdown and Ringwould Primary School pupil.

He helped him work on his preparation and serve, as well volleys, in front of just a small number of spectators.

These included his proud parents Lisa and Jules Dennison, along with tennis coach Toby Churchill who has been coaching Sam since he was four.

Speaking afterwards to KentOnline, Mr Henman said: "It was really good to play with Sam.

"He's got really good hand eye coordination and I hope he had fun.

"I very much thank his family for supporting the foundation."

Mrs Dennison said: "It feels quite surreal.

"I entered the draw by giving a donation to his foundation last year and we never thought we'd win.

"I never win anything.

"It's a brilliant opportunity."

Young Sam who wore new tennis trainers for the occasion has been Googling the retired professional, who was ranked British number 1 in 1996 and again from 1999 to 2005, as well as watching his Wimbledon clips.

Mrs Dennison added: "He seems to have taken it all in his stride.

"I think it helps that he's in familiar territory as this is where he trains."

The Tim Henman Foundation, launched in 2015, is a youth charity with the mission of transforming the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people by improving mental and physical health and creating sporting and educational opportunities.

Earlier in the afternoon, Mr Henman had been supporting his former economic teacher Richard Garrett with a tennis festival, also at the facility in Deal.

It involved 180 children from sixschools - Warden House, The Downs, Deal Parochial, Hornbeam, Sandown and Sholden.

Mr Garrett is working to establish a long term programme working with disadvantaged young people in east Kent.

Mr Henman said: "It's been a great day to see so many young kids out here.

"We had 180 earlier. Hopefully, with collaboration, we can see them play more in the future."

Deal Parochial headteacher Justine Brown said of the event “My staff and pupils all came back to school buzzing with enthusiasm and excitement about tennis.

“My staff praised how smoothly the event took place, which reflects all the planning and preparation undertaken by the Deal Indoor Tennis Centre.”

Following the lesson, Mr Henman attended Walmer Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club where he would ring the tea bell, a long-time club tradition signalling a break from tennis for afternoon tea.

He also held a tennis workshop with some of the elite tennis juniors, alongside Club Captain Ryan Hockley and Deal Indoor Tennis Centre Head Coach Toby Churchill.

A crowd of approximately 50 club members enjoyed drinks and snacks from the Clubhouse while watching the juniors play on the newly resurfaced artificial grass courts.

Monty Smith, a junior who is part of the Deal Indoor Tennis Centre performance squad, said of playing with the Wimbledon semi-finalist: “It was an incredible experience.”

The day round off with a Q&A session with club members, hosted by television and radio broadcaster Gavin Esler.

Mr Esler started by asking Henman what his thoughts were of Walmer Lawn, and he was full of praise: “It's a lovely club and it’s a lovely part of the world… Thank you very much for having me.”

Many other topics came up, including Henman’s most satisfying win. He was quizzed on his opinion of Hawkeye, the technology used to automate line calls as well as the opponent he feared the most.

Club Chairman Peter Tullo thanked Henman for attending and said: “It’s been really exciting having you here, listening to what you’ve been saying about your past and also basically what you’ve done for British tennis and what you’re continuing to do.”