A SCHOOLGIRL has been chosen out of hundreds of young hopefuls to star in this year's Wimbledon television trailer.

Sophie Atkins, from Brighton, features in the tennis trailer which celebrates the return of the championships following the cancellation of last year's event due to the Covid pandemic.

The 12-year-old, who is a pupil at Roedean school, was chosen by film producers after she dazzled them with her talent and tennis skills during a lengthy casting process.

She was thrilled to be offered two centre court tickets so that she can attend the first day of the championships on Monday for the first time.

She said: "A few years ago, I decided that tennis wasn't for me. This was partly because I didn't like the fact that my younger brother was better at the game than me!

"But when I got this amazing role, I agreed to have some tennis lessons again.

"Although I'm really excited about going to Wimbledon on Monday, particularly as I get to miss my school sports day, I think I will be sticking to cricket which is my favourite sport."

The film was shot by Academy Films the week before the first lockdown in March 2020 in Valentine's Park, Ilford.

It was meant to be broadcast at last year's championships but was put over to this year after the world-famous tournament was cancelled.

Sophie added: "The shoot was an incredible experience and one that I will never forget.

"I remember it was a bit cold and wet and I was dressed in shorts and t-shirt but the film crew were brilliant and kept wrapping me in a blanket between takes.

"I was really disappointed when the championships got cancelled and wondered if the film would ever get made.

"I only got to see it for the first time last week but it was definitely worth the wait."