A RISING tennis star from Ellesmere College has been awarded a prestigious accolade marking her outstanding sporting achievements.

Aditi Chezhian, a member of the Ellesmere College Tennis Academy, has received the Shropshire Schools Sports and Athletics Association John Beswick International Award.

The Ellesmere pupil, who is also a member of the Welsh National Team’s junior squad, was nominated for the award by Ellesmere Academy’s director of tennis Stephen Welti.

He has been very pleased with Aditi’s work ethic and believes she has a bright future in the sport.

“Aditi has made exceptional progress,” he said. “She has a tremendous work ethic and is a very talented tennis player with high hopes for the future.

“I didn’t hesitate to nominate her for the award and was delighted when she won it.

“As a world academy of sport accredited educational facility, our tennis academy is one of the top centres for young players in the country and we have developed a strong pool of talent which is maintaining Ellesmere College’s highly respected reputation in the sports arena.”

Aditi admits she was surprised to be announced as the winner of the award.

She said: “It was a nice surprise when I heard about the award. I’m really thankful to the coaches and the school, and really excited to see what tennis holds for my future.”

Aditi’s mother, Sheila Chezhian added: “We are proud of Aditi’s achievements. We moved to Ellesmere primarily for the tennis, and I think that is one of the best decisions we made.

“The tennis academy provides an all-round programme including individual training and squads, fitness, mental training, physio and nutrition education, which has really helped her progress.”

Aditi moved from Bangor to Ellesmere College more than two years ago and became the first Ellesmere College student to gain a Tennis Europe ranking.

In October the Year 10 student helped Team Wales retain the Junior Home Nations Tennis Championship - the first time Wales successfully defended the title in the competition’s history.

Earlier last year she was part of the successful Ellesmere College Year Seven and Eight team which reached their highest ever place in the national finals of the Lawn Tennis Association Senior Students Competition.

Last year the award was won by Olympic hopeful and Ellesmere College Titan swimmer, Freya Anderson.