TENNIS was a game made for three according to the first Victorian rule book. Our ancestors started playing the game outdoors for the first time thanks to a Birmingham lawyer who experimented with the sport. Instead of the Wimbledon as we know it with strict singles and doubles teams with no mixing of the sexes the early Victorians were MORE liberal. In a version called the Unicorn one player could play against two opponents. And while ladies were discouraged from playing - they were permitted to battle against the men. This means if Wimbledon was played the Victorian way we could be looking at a big female name like Serena Williams playing the likes of Murray AND Djokovic. History buffs of the sport insist the 1874 'Lawn tennis or Pelota rules of the game' by Thomas Henry Gem was the first of its kind. Former PE teachers Sue Elks, 69, and Christopher Elks, 68, from Wythall in the West Midlands explained the difference the modern game has with the tennis of yesteryear.
LOCATIONS bursting with vibrant greens and chestnut browns, these photographs capture the peaceful English countryside in all its glory .
SEA LIFE and greenery in one shot show nature at its very best .
FROM COLOURFUL autumn leaves to living trees at first glance you might miss these people blended with nature .
NEVER mind being careful not to choke on your food, this mother bird has a bigger challenge on her hands, as her ravenous offspring impatiently launches its head down into her stomach .
ROLLING up snow in its tiny paws, this little squirrel is looking for a snowball fight .
Like a scene from a fairytale, THOUSANDS of fireflies create an enchanting glow as they dance in a forest .
AIRPORT staff have been put on alert after diet pills that come in grenade shaped containers sparked security alerts .
A mischievous fox cub demonstrates his playful side by biting his sibling’s tail .
SOME OF the sea’s most terrifying creatures show their softer side as they join a group of diners for lunch .
A cheeky gorilla sticks her tongue out and plays up for the camera at Bronx Zoo .
With one hand rested on his belly and the other propping his head up, this lazy lizard takes an afternoon break .
Throwing a right hook as he launches onto his opponent with his gnarling teeth at the ready, this is the OTTER-LY ruthless showdown between two otters .