Padel players from across the UK are heading to Ayrshire this weekend for a major sporting tournament.

The West of Scotland Padel Club, based at the Stevenston Industrial Estate, hosts players from all around the district, including Largs, West Kilbride, the Three Towns, Prestwick and Kilwinning - who will be testing their skills against the top players of the sport.

Ayr Advertiser: Ayrshire players are looking forward to pitting their wits against UK Tour playersAyrshire players are looking forward to pitting their wits against UK Tour players (Image: West of Scotland Padel)

Padel has a similar scoring system to tennis, but is played with smaller, stubbier racquets - and the ball can stay in play longer as it bounces off the toughened back glass, ensuring exciting rallies.

The sport is growing increasingly popular, with Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp, Lionel Messi, and  multi Grand Slam tennis champ Roger Federer known to be regular players, while Andy Murray has also invested in building new courts in London.

The West of Scotland club has already attracted high profile players, with former Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst and ex-Celtic keeper Vasilis Barkas among those having played at the Stevenston club.

And this weekend, it is the LTA Padel British Tour Scottish Championships which will be taking place from April 21-23 with both men's and women's events.

Ayr Advertiser: Serving up something special!Serving up something special! (Image: West of Scotland Padel)

A club spokesperson said: "Come along and support our 11 members who are competing and give them a proper boost .

"There's a very competitive line up with players coming from all over the country and there will be some fantastic games to be had.

The event starts at 10am on Saturday and 9.30am on Sunday, and the public are urged to attend.

The event is free to watch, and the finals will be on Sunday afternoon.

For more details, go to the West of Scotland Padel Club's Facebook page.