YOU cannot be serious! Swindon Council's chief executive Gavin Jones and his predecessor Sir Mike Pitt are hoping to show off John McEnroe-like skills when they enter the Challenge Swindon sport festival.

The pair have teamed up to play in the tennis doubles competition.

The contest takes place on the revamped courts at St Mark's recreation ground, which is off the Gorse Hill stretch of Whitehouse Road.

Along with the other events, which range from football to beach volleyball, the tennis tournament takes place on the weekend of June 2 and 3.

Gavin said: "I'm definitely up for the challenge and we will be practising every week to try and improve our shots.

"Mike and I both like winning, but the main thing is having fun and we look forward to meeting our opponents on court."

Gavin is a regular at the council-run Delta Tennis Centre, in West Swindon, where he has been practising for the past six months.

There are more than 20 different sports and activities in the Challenge Swindon community sports tournament.

From basketball to squash, swimming to hockey, golf to football, there is something to suit adults of all abilities.

For something a bit different, people can try beach volleyball, dragon boat racing, speed climbing or even kabbadi - a team sport from south Asia.

Many of the sports are team events, so the council is urging people to follow its lead and get together with friends, families and work colleagues.

Following the successful Corporate Games, hosted by Swindon last year, businesses are keen to get involved.

RWEnpower, BP Castrol, Cardinal Health, Intel and Tyco Electronics are already on board, and the Swindon Advertiser is also a sponsor.

The event will be followed by a Get Active Week from June 4 until June 10 open to everyone, featuring activity taster days with local clubs, schools, businesses and community groups.

To register a Challenge Swindon team contact 01793 511033 or log on to www.challengeswindon.org.uk.