A FORMER Great Britain and England hockey player has been in Teesdale this week to pass on some of his skills to up and coming youngsters.

Callum Giles, who has been coaching in Australia for the last six months, visited Barnard Castle School where he took time to coach the prep school, pupils from nearby Startforth primary and then the school's senior team.

Mr Giles, who during his playing career was renowned for the quality of his drag flicks on penalty corners, visited the school as part of the Active Sport scheme, which encourages sports development in schools and is heavily involved with promoting hockey in the North-East.

Alison Armstrong, who is in charge of girls' games at the school, said, "He was absolutely fantastic. The pupils picked up a lot of skills and tips from him.

"They were given plenty to think about regarding control of the ball and how to make space."

Mrs Armstrong thanked Mr Giles, and Active Sport development officer Lynn Dobinson for putting the school's name forward for the visit.