Andy Lapthorne met youngsters at Lee Valley ©Getty Images

Dozens of youngsters have been given the chance to meet Paralympic wheelchair tennis medallist Andy Lapthorne.

The Briton, who won quad doubles silver alongside Peter Norfolk at his home London 2012 Games, was on hand at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre today to meet around 90 children aged between seven and 11.

Lapthorne and Norfolk then won bronze in the same event at the Rio 2016 Paralympics in September, where Lapthorne was also the singles silver medallist behind Australia's champion Dylan Alcott.  

His appearance was part of the Disability Tennis Festival, an event which aims to promote the sport to youngsters with intellectual and physical impairments.

Lee Valley was the venue used at the London 2012 Paralympics, with the Festival helping with the legacy of the Games.

Andy Lapthorne has three Paralympic medals in his collection ©Getty Images
Andy Lapthorne has three Paralympic medals in his collection ©Getty Images

Lapthorne shared his tips and how to have fun on court, while the Festival included tennis themed activities on indoor courts.

Paul Coates, sports development manager at the Lee Valley Regional Authority, said: "This exciting event will be our third Disability Tennis Festival, an event we hope all of the students will find hugely enjoyable and truly inspirational. 

"We’re pleased to welcome Andy back to Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre to meet these young people. 

"The Authority will continue to deliver an extensive activity programme to the entire region and play our part in providing a sustainable legacy from the London 2012 Games."