PUPILS were given tips in rowing by the international oarsman Christopher Boddy, who visited their school in Darlington this week.

Mr Boddy, fresh from representing Great Britain at the World Rowing Championships in New Zealand, opened the new changing facilities at Yarm at Raventhorpe School, Carmel Road. His brother, David, was appointed headmaster in May.

The sportsman, said: “I love returning to the North- East and I am delighted to be able to open the new changing facilities.”

He is a former pupil of Yarm School and said that was where he first took up rowing.

The renovated facilities are the latest improvement at the school, which Yarm School took over in 2006.

David Boddy said: “The new facilities are extremely important as sport is a vital part of education at Yarm at Raventhorpe.

The pupils enjoyed getting hints and tips from a great British rower and we hope that pupils may be inspired to follow in his footsteps in pursuing their own dreams.”

Years three and four children were shown rowing skills and techniques on Ergo rowing machines