The mother of the country’s best tennis player has treated Suffolk students to a special coaching session.

Judy Murray, a tennis coach and mother to the world number five Andy, was yesterday at Culford School, just outside Bury St Edmunds, where she helped a group of very excited students improve their tennis.

The school was treated to the exclusive coaching session after its senior girls team of Katie Ewing, Charlotte Harpur, Tonia Nelskamp and Jessica Silva were crowned champions in the AEGON Team Tennis Schools’ Senior Student finals.

Charlotte and Jessica, who are both 16, said there had been a huge buzz at the school leading up to the day.

Charlotte said: “It’s a really good prize. It’s really improving your tennis.”

Jessica added: “For most of us it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

A total of 20 tennis scholars and players took part in the master class, held in the school’s new indoor tennis centre, which is also used by the local community.

Mrs Murray, 51, also mother to top tennis player Jamie, said: “We have had a great day and I’ve been really pleasantly surprised by the level and the application of the kids, and at this school with their own indoor tennis centre it’s a huge advantage because you can play all year round.”

Asked whether she had spotted any future Andy or Jamie Murrays, she said: “You never know. There are one or two kids here who are very talented and I have been very impressed with some of them.”

Mrs Murray, who has been Scottish national tennis coach, added how the AEGON competition really encouraged players aged between 13 and 17 to play in a team environment with their friends which was important when it came to keeping kids involved in the game.

David Watkin, director of sport at the school, said: “It’s obvious as a coach the pupils are inspired by her.

“It’s really exciting for the pupils and that’s what today is about.”

David Hall, director of tennis at the school, said the tennis programme at the school continued to go from “strength to strength”.

“And we are keen to encourage talented players to come and study full-time here, while receiving tennis coaching at a very high level. I know that Judy’s visit today and the skills she has imparted will be a real boost to the team.”

The AEGON Team Tennis Schools’ Senior Students competition is organised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

The competition, which is supported by the Tennis Foundation, aims to encourage lower rated players to play competitive tennis with the opportunity to compete in a national final.