Ilkley-based children’s shoe shop Poppy Red is sponsoring a local tennis player as she looks to shoot up the national rankings.

The shop has provided 11-year-old Amber Woofindin, who trains at Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club, with £150 to purchase a new racquet.

“We’re always encouraging our young customers to get active and take part in sports and this is a great way for us to get involved.

“We stock a lot of sporting brands such as Geox and Gola which are popular with the children,” said Jenny Rhodes, who runs Poppy Red with her mother, Helen.

“Following 2012’s home Olympics and this year’s Tour de France so close to home, this is a great time to encourage children to get into sports to ensure they live a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Amber, who has represented her county at several age groups, has recently secured a place on the National Talent ID, which is a development programme for the top 20 girls in each age group.

Amber said: “I am very grateful to Helen and Jenny at Poppy Red for providing me with a new racket. I love playing tennis and I want to become the best tennis player I can be.”

Having started playing tennis when she was just five years old, Amber has already been playing for six years and now spends eight hours each week training at Ilkley Tennis Club.

Jenny thinks that Amber’s determination means she will go far.

She says: “We have known Amber since she was four and we love hearing about how she is progressing. It is great to be able to help her fulfil her tennis dreams.

“It feels good to be putting something back into the community and hopefully we will one day see Amber playing on Centre Court at Wimbledon!”