England legend Andrew Flintoff called in at Bloxham School this week to keep an eye on his AF Cricket Academy, which is based there during Easter and summer holidays.

The latest course attracted over 50 youngsters, who took part either as residential or non-residential participants.

Flintoff said: “When England do well in any sport there’s a real buzz about the game and I think cricket’s like that at the moment.

“We’re not trying to see stars of the future ,we just want to see kids playing.”

Flintoff will be returning to club cricket himself in August when he teams up with his brother, Chris, for Preston side Penwortham in Lancashire’s Palace Shield.

He said: “I see club cricket as cricket in its purest form, people work all week looking forward to the weekend to play cricket.”

He had a special word for Bloxham pupils who are going on the school’s tour to Sri Lanka. Sun block and plenty of net practice against spin were his two hot tips for the tourists.

Flintoff’s academy is back at Bloxham from August 8-12.