TENNIS fan Robert Bowden went where Tim Henman could only dream of going centre court at Wimbledon on men's final day.

Robert was the lucky Barnardo's boy chosen to take to Wimbledon centre court to toss the coin before the men's finals on Sunday.

Robert, of Bridge Road, Uxbridge, who celebrates his 13th birthday this week, is a pupil at High Close School, a special school run by Barnardo's for children with difficulties.

His name was put forward by the school to perform the coin toss, and Barnardo's chose him because of the dramatic improvements he has made since he has been at the school.

Robert was allowed to keep the £5 Golden Jubilee coin that he tossed to decide whether Lleyton Hewitt or David Nalbandian served first in the men's singles final on Sunday.

Rose Mahony, school principal, said that at first Robert was really quite amazed to have been chosen to represent Barnardo's.

She said: "He was very surprised to have been picked, and then on the day he was really nervous before he went out onto centre court.

"But as soon as he was out there he relaxed and was so excited.

"He just had a really fantastic time."

Robert then watched the finals live from centre court as Hewitt smashed his way to victory to become Wimbledon men's champion in straight sets.

And his day out at Wimbledon also included lunch and tea in the competitors' restaurant.

Robert was nominated to represent Barnardo's, who work with the most vulnerable children and young people, helping them transform their lives and fulfil their potential.

It was the third year that a young person from a nominated charity has performed the coin tossing ceremony.

Barnado's say that before going to High Close School, Robert had found it difficult to cope in large groups of pupils at his previous schools, and had become extremely anxious as a result.

Since being at High Close School, the charity says Robert has made spectacular progress, and that both staff and pupils respect him for his lively mind and his determination to catch up educationally.

A spokesperson for Barnardo's said: "Robert is an excellent role model for other pupils and the fact that he was delighted to have the honour of tossing the coin at the Wimbledon final is an outstanding example of how much better he feels about himself.

"The school and Robert's family are very proud of him."

Barnardo's works with more than 90,000 children, young people and their families in more than 300 projects across the country.

For more information about Barnardo's visit www.barnardos.org.uk

July 11, 2002 09:30