OLYMPIC swimmer James Hickman stunned admiring Ramsbottom Rascals when he revealed the training regime that's taken him to the top.

The Burnage-born fly specialist addressed the ambirious club's elite swimmers ahead of next month's return to the Premier League.

He explained how he swam the equivalent of a journey from Bury to Birmingham - every week - and his training sessions began at 5am.

Asked about his diet he said he ate "virtually anything" adding that he regarded food as fuel.

Hickman - his swanky sports car number plate bears the letters FLY - told of his determination to win Commonwealth Games glory again at next year's event.

He was introduced to the meeting by head coach Rick Wesolowski who told the Rascals they had nothing to fear. . . and everything to gain.

Wesolowski has been upset by "negative vibes" about the promotion especially as the Rascals will be up aginast much bigger squad clubs representing UK cities.

But he said that so long as the swimmers were focused and put in additional training sessions they would fulfil their potential and give their opponents a shock.

Despite defeat in the Central Lancs age group knockout final, Wesolowski was heartened by the performances of Danny Stredder, Emma McKenna and Calum Hall.

The boys impressed against the powerful Ashton Central team while the girls struggled with the visitors picking up the cup with a well-earned 48-45 triumph.

The town hall is at last going to do something to help the club which operates from the tiny Ramsbottom Pool where spectator facilities lead to instant complaints from supporters of visiting clubs.

A gym is to be built at the pool so swimmers will be able to improve "dry" training. . . the big question for the council is when!