A FIVE-TIME world champion swimmer passed on tips to youngsters at a leisure centre yesterday.

James Hickman was at Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre, in Bishop Auckland, to coach children in the pool.

Mr Hickman is a former Commonwealth Games record holder, who won the 200-metres butterfly world short course championship five times between 1997 and 2004. He recently appeared on Channel 4's The Games.

He gave a masterclass to the youngsters, and signed autographs and showed off his medals.

He said: "Now I am retired, it gives me the chance to pass on what I have learned during my career.

"Some of the tips I give are ones that only I know. Other ones are common knowledge, but hopefully if they hear me say it, it will mean they take it on board."

With England's swimmers giving a good account of themselves in the Commonwealth games this year, Mr Hickman is hoping to inspire youngsters from the area to carry the baton.

He said: "If one of the kids does well and says 'James Hickman inspired me', that's something worthwhile."

Brad White, head coach of Wear Valley Swimming Club, which is based at the leisure complex, said: "It is good for the club. I am trying to motivate the kids, and to see someone of James' stature in their own back yard is fantastic."