A TENNIS coach is aiming to keep children fit and active with a new virtual fitness live stream.

Tom Littlewood, of Belle Vue Terrace in Halstead, is the head coach at Tennislessons4u at Earls Colne and Gosfield tennis clubs but with the coronavirus pandemic, he is unable run his usual lessons.

Now the 23 year old, who is also a teacher at St Andrews primary school in Halstead, is looking to keep his students and others fit with his daily ten minute run live streams.

The runs, which are like a PE lesson the kids can complete at home, take place in people's gardens with Tom streaming from his own garden and showing the kids what to do.

Each run has its own special theme such as 'Dress Up Monday' and 'Onesie Wednesday' with Tom even tasking himself to complete one garden run while juggling.

The streams take place on the Tennislessons4u Facebook page everyday at 3pm and have seen a swelling of support.

Tom said: "I wanted to keep the kids active and have a sense of togetherness during this time.

"It also gives the children something fun to look forward to in the day.

"I want to get as many people involved as possible.

"At my tennis club we have 80 mini players and I wanted to make sure they were still engaging with physical activity as well as be able to run with their friends without actually seeing them.

"Lots of children engage in the comments section and can say hello to each other whilst running together.

"Covid-19 has had a dramatic effect on my Tennis Coaching, I am no longer able to run lessons or holiday camps, I thought this would be a lovely way to give back to the community who have supported me in building up Earls Colne Tennis Club over the past few years.

"Tennislessons4u run tennis lessons for all ages and abilities in Earls Colne and Gosfield, if you are interested in getting involved just like our Facebook Page or message 07769033144"

So far almost 100 kids have got involved from all across the Halstead area and surrounding villages and Tom hopes to see numbers grow as the coronavirus lockdown continues.

To see the live streams, visit facebook.com/FunTennislessons4u/.