Organisers have praised the ball girls at last week's Britannic Asset Management tournament at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne.

Over 100 girls from the Cavendish School on Eldon Road and Moira House girls' school on Upper Carlisle Road took part.

Tournament director John Feaver said: "We are always very grateful for the contribution of the ball girls and this year has been no exception.

"They looked smart and performed efficiently. I have heard only good things about them and I hope they enjoyed themselves."

George Hendon, who helps run the prestigious event, said: "The girls have been superb and performed their duties with a real smile on their face."

Two of the girls attracted more attention than their colleagues. Moira House's Camilla Watson, 15, chased a piece of paper all over a windy Centre Court in vain, while Carly Young slipped over reaching for a ball and needed directions from the crowd to find it.

Cavendish PE teacher Sian Crossland said the 75 girls from her school all performed their duties impeccably.

She said: "At the start of the week they were all really nervous and didn't want to go on the Centre Court but by the end they were all pleading to get on the big stage.

"They started training three times a week from March and the sessions usually lasted for two hours. It was pleasing to see all their hard work pay off.

"Some old girls, who are 21 and 22, still come back. One girl, Heidi Miller, was doing it for the seventh time."

Moira House's Janine Bailey said: "The girls felt really valued standing on the court and they were able to share in the limelight."