SIX of the area's most talented swimmers are on the crest of a wave after receiving coaching from some of Britain's top pool stars.

West Dorset Warriors Peter Thornton and Liv Thornton from Dorchester, and Ryan Nott from Charminster joined South Dorset Tornadoes Tom Mules, Connor Aitken and Tom John from Weymouth at the training camp in Leeds where they gained hot tips from the likes of James Hickman and Adrian Turner.

The youngsters were part of a lucky Dorset squad that travelled to the newly built John Charles Centre for Sports where they gained glowing praise for their dedication and ability.

Five-time world champion Hickman, and double Common-wealth medalist Turner took the sessions along with 2006 4x200m freestyle relay Commonwealth Champion Alex Scotcher and double British 400m Individual Medley record holder Darren Wigg as part of Total Swimming.

The glittering line-up of coaches also included Rob Greenwood, the top age group coach in Britain in 2006-07, and former Olympic swimmer John Dougall, who is also assistant coach at Gallica, Britain's premier swimming club.

The county swimmers, who were described by Greenwood as the best group' they have had, were sponsored by the Dorset County Amateur Swimming Association and as well as Warriors and Tornadoes, there were also children from Poole, Bournemouth Dolphins, Christchurch Seagulls and Ferndown Otters.

Dorset County ASA's development officer said: "The county wanted to give these dedicated and talented youngsters the opportunity to go on a training camp, which would not only help them improve but also inspire them by hearing first hand what it is like at the top from their heroes."

The youngsters, aged nine to 14 years, had two two-hour sessions per day in the 50m pool with the coaches and also enjoyed a session in the water with both Hickman and Turner, who demonstrated their exemplary swimming skills.

The children were also filmed underwater so they could clearly see how to improve their strokes and in between their training in the pool they also had classroom lessons on everything from nutrition to injury prevention, land training and even a Mind Gym.

Mandy Hardie, team manager for Dorset and a coach at Ferndown Otters, said: "This weekend has shown that the simple things in swimming are the most important - it's back to basics, concentrating on skills and above all a positive attitude. It doesn't have to be complicated to become a good swimmer."

A parent from West Dorset Warriors added: "The Total Swimming team captivated the swimmers and fully engaged them throughout the whole weekend.

"The energy and passion for the sport shown by James Hickman and his colleagues, together with their enthusiasm for teaching the kids, inspired not only the would-be swim stars of the future, but also their coaches and parents.

"All the children thoroughly enjoyed the swim camp and are very grateful to Dorset County ASA for sponsoring the event and providing them with such a wonderful opportunity."