MURRAY Mania is alive and well in Dorset with just a week to go before the start of the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament.

One Poole sports club has opted to take a huge punt on Britain’s number one, agreeing to give every new tennis member free racquet fees should the Scot take the Wimbledon title.

The move could prove costly for Esporta Health and Racquets Club as, despite a slight ankle injury, bookies still have Andy Murray as fourth favourite to lift the men’s singles trophy.

However, world number one Rafael Nadal is still firm favourite to life the title this year.

But if Murray laps up home advantage and becomes the first Brit to triumph since Fred Perry in 1936, Poole tennis fans could see themselves taking a share of £250,000 worth of Esporta waived fees.

Esporta Dorset’s head of tennis Will Singleton, said: “Tennis is a key part of what we do and we are now working closely with the LTA to support the growth of the sport in this country.

“Key to that is getting people excited about the sport, which is why we are proud to throw our weight behind Andy. If Andy wins they will receive six full months of free racquets membership, so by February 2012 they may be in a position to win some tournaments themselves.”

New tennis members need to join the club, in Cabot Lane, Poole, before the first Wimbledon match is played on June 20 to qualify.

Every day Murray plays at Wimbledon, the Poole club will be selling strawberries and cream, handing out Murray masks and creating ‘Murray Mounts’ as viewing areas.

Mr Singleton added: “As with 1966 it will be a case of ‘Where were you when Murray won Wimbledon?’ The answer could be at my health club celebrating a free membership.”