HE might not be on centre court at Wimbledon yet, but young tennis ace Alex Jackson is cleaning up in more ways than one.

The Canon Slade High School pupil is following in the footsteps of Tim Henman after landing a contract with a washing powder manufacturer.

Alex, aged 15, of Steynton Close, Heaton, flew to Rome on Wedbesday to make a 30 second commercial for Ariel, whose last advert featured the British star.

In the ad he will be seen playing tennis on an Italian court in the evening.

The trip is an exciting adventure for Alex and mum Karen who is accompanying him, especially as the location for the shoot was originally going to be Nottingham.

"It is something so new to us. He has never done anything like this before," said Mrs Jackson.

Alex was spotted playing tennis at the Bolton Arena by talent scouts from a casting agency looking for excellent tennis players to take part in the advert.

They approached Tennis Lancashire and Alex was one of several to undergo screen tests before he learned he had the part just two weeks ago. Alex said: "I can't wait. I've never been to Rome so I'm really looking forward to it. I've been told it will be fairly intense on the days of filming, but I'm sure it can't be any more intense than a training session."

Alex is currently studying for his GCSEs. He hopes to eventually become a tennis professional.

Despite the recognition the Ariel advert will bring him, he intends to concentrate on his tennis career, combining full time coaching next year with A levels.

Alex, whose hero is Andre Agassi, got the tennis bug five years ago when his family moved to Heaton and he started having lessons at Markland Hill tennis club.

For the last two and a half years he has trained three or four times a week and competes in tournaments around the country. Later this year he also plans to take part in competitions in Europe in order to get a world ranking.

He is competing in a Masters Tournament at Redbridge, Essex on Saturday and will fly back from Rome on Friday.