A TEESSIDE man won the chance of a lifetime experience when he was able to train with international rugby union stars.

Martin Greensitt, from New Marske, won the rugby training weekend with the sporting heroes after entering a Sloggi for Men competition.

Martin and his father, Tony, spent last Saturday training with England international and World Cup winner Ben Cohen, Ireland's Peter Stringer and Scotland's Simon Taylor.

He was joined by 40 other winners from all over the country at Pennyhill Park Hotel, in Surrey, where the English rugby squad train before matches.

The day was spent passing on skills from the players, having practice sessions and taking part in a touch rugby match where both Martin and Tony faced the might of rugby's finest.

The event ended with a barbecue with Cohen, Stringer and Taylor joining in the fun and presenting prizes for the best kick, fastest pass and the winning touch rugby team.

Martin, 25, entered the competition while shopping in Barkers department store, in Northallerton.

He said: "I couldn't believe that I had won. It was such a fantastic weekend - a dream come true for me and my dad."

England's Ben Cohen, said: "It was a great opportunity to pass on some of my rugby skills. Unlike training during the season, the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day.

Everybody was really enthusiastic and it was fun to have some friendly banter with the other lads."