Hick, Hick hooray as former Test star helps nurture future talent

Hick, who played 65 Test matches and 120 one day internationals for England, is the star name appearing at this Easter's Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy, which is making a return visit to Ashville College in the spa town.

Scores of children are taking part in the four-day training camp aimed at boys and girls aged between five and 16.

During his two-hour visit, the Zimbabwean-born batsman, whose first-class career began in 1983, took part in a question and answer session with the youngsters, signed autographs and offered expert advice.

The college's trading business development manager, Krista Braithwaite, said: "This Easter's academy has proved very popular, particularly as it is being staged at the start of the cricket season.

"Graeme worked with the children to give them expert tips on how to improve their bowling and batting skills."

Last August, Flintoff himself appeared at the academy, the day before the start of the Ashes Test at Headingley in Leeds, which the talismanic all rounder had to sit out because of his notorious knee problems.