Former England cricketer Freddie Flintoff has been in Dartmouth – bowling over local youngsters.

A training session by the broadcaster and one-time top fast bowler and batsman was a prize in an auction of promises won by local dad Tim Slade.

The all-rounder had arranged for 20 young cricket lovers to take part in the session at Dartmouth Leisure Centre.

But the timing turned out to be difficult and at the last minute the Britannia Royal Naval College stepped in to provide the training venue.

Warrant Officer Natasha Pulley, the physical training and recreation officer at the college, said: 'I got a call last Thursday asking if we could accommodate a training session that had been secured through an auction of promises in aid of the Lawrence Dallaglio Foundation.

'There had been a change in time which meant the first venue was no longer available and we were delighted to welcome the event.'

The session went ahead on Saturday using the college's indoor nets.

Freddie gave some informal instruction, batting and bowling tips to around 20 young lads for just over two hours with their parents looking on.

'We all had a great time and I was extremely grateful to the college for taking this on at short notice,' said Tim.

College staff and young officers were also on the sidelines, picking up tips for the forthcoming season – and, of course, the odd autograph or two.