THE annual Bolton Tennis Tournament kicks off on Friday week with more than 200 competing in 21 different events.

It is the 34th year the Slazenger-sponsored tournament has taken place and promises to be one of the biggest to date culminating on finals day on Saturday, July 16.

The men's singles event has the highest rated player to enter since the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) player rating system began – Christopher Nott's rating of 1.2 puts him in the top few players in the county.

At the other extreme there are four couples contesting the senior veteran’s mixed doubles where entrants must be at least 60 years of age.

A number of this year’s events are being run in a round-robin format, however this has proved to make scheduling the tournament difficult and it may be the only year when so many events are run on that basis.

Matches are scheduled from 5.45pm on weekdays and from 1pm on weekends and organisers will hope for good weather, particularly at weekends.

The first weekend is needed to progress the tournament to leave a feasible number of matches to be played during the week.

Entrance to the event is free and there will a selection of hot and cold snacks and drinks provided by the Bolton School services team.

Visitors should note, however, that Bolton School operate a strict no smoking, no alcohol and no dogs policy. Anyone bringing a dog, smoking or drinking will be asked to leave by Bolton School services staff.

* Anyone with an interest in tennis or who has tried a free taster session at a local facility, is welcome to visit the event and see the range of standards playing in Bolton. Ask at the referees table if you need more information on local tennis clubs and facilities.