Tennis hero Tim ­Henman has been blasted for backing a campaign for kids to ditch face coverings in the classroom.

The sporting favourite, 46, signed an open letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson calling for the Government to scrap official advice around face coverings for pupils as schools gear up to reopen tomorrow.

It says: “We have significant concerns about Government guidance recommending that children wear masks in classrooms.”

It adds: “There appears to have been little or no consideration given to any of the negative outcomes of facemasks being worn in classrooms all day.”

Tim has been criticised on social media for backing the campaign.

One post said: “Is Tim Henman well known for being a plonker or is he just dipping his toe in the water? I don’t really follow tennis so was quite surprise to see his name on the list.”

Another joked: “Tim Henman might just be a more proficient epidemiologist than he was a tennis player. Who knows.”

But some people agree with the calls.

A post backing him said: “Where is your compassion for the children. Whatever you think of Tim Henman, et al, they are right.”

Other celebs to sign the letter include Richard Madeley, Anthea Turner and Matt Le Tissier.

It has also had backing from a group of medics, university lecturers and psychologists.

Government guidance currently recommends children wear masks in class.

Mr Williamson has resisted calls for it to be mandatory by law.

Last week, he said: “We don’t think it is necessary to make it the law, and we think that schools will use good judgement.”

Schools and colleges reopening tomorrow is the first easing of lockdown measures for months.

The route back to normal life is expected to take until June 21 at the earliest.

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