SWIMMING superstar James Hickman thrilled young members of Bury's "elite" swimming squad when he called in at the Castle Leisure Centre on Saturday.

The multi-world champion passed on his expert knowledge then faced a question and answer session from the 34 youngsters, aged 10 to 16, who were plucked from the town's three swimming clubs, Ramsbottom Rascals, Bury & Elton SC and Radcliffe SC.

The three clubs have come together in a pioneering Bury Council initiative with the aim of producing competitors of at least Commonwealth Games standard.

Hickman holds 12 individual British titles for different events and last month won silver in the European Swimming Championships in Istanbul in the 200m butterfly.

In the question and answer session he was grilled on his, diet, training routine and who inspired him to be an international swimming star.

Hickman told the group that he does 35 hours per week, avoids chips, sweets and biscuits and eats pasta and green vegetables that contain vital minerals. His boyhood hero was Adrian Moorhouse.

He advised youngsters that they should concentrate on their swimming and count the strokes to avoid boredom in the water and that he always tries to set different goals to make training more interesting.

Matthew Barmer of the Radcliffe club said afterwards: "I have learned a lot about fly because that is my main stroke. "The glides are particularly important and one thing I'll remember is to eat less fat, things like chips and burgers."

Jackie Veal, Bury Sports Development officer said: "The pilot scheme which provides swimming space in Castle Leisure Centre for the three clubs is going to be extended as it's been a great success.

"James Hickman was absolutely excellent he's a fine role model for young swimmers," she added.

Hickman himself, was very impressed with the standard of the town's young competitors.

"The kids in the Bury advance training group were "wicked"," he said.

"It was really good fun, they are a great bunch of children who were all willing to listen.

"Adrian Moorhouse inspired me and I hope I can do the same for these youngsters."

Lesley Cunliffe the Bury & Elton coach said: "He has absolutely superb technique and the session was a really motivating for the children."

Radcliffe coach John Barrow added: "It's nice for the youngsters to see a world champion like this, it isn't very often someone of his standing will come down and advise youngsters how to become world champions.

"They will remember this day for a long time."

Rick Wesolowski of Ramsbottom Rascals said: "James Hickman is a class competitor right at the top of his sport, it was like Roy Keane dropping in to talk to a local soccer team.

"It's fantastic he can take the trouble to put something back into grass roots swimming."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.