YOUNGSTERS at a Northumberland rugby club have been getting tips on how to improve their game from a professional rugby player.

Newcastle Falcons player, Jonny Golding, visiting Blyth Rugby Club at the weekend, where he spent time coaching the players in the youth section.

Jonny, who has been a prop at the club for six years, participated in drills and passed on tips to the youngsters aged from six to 17, before watching the Blyth U14 v Ashington U14 game.

The 30-year-old, from Morpeth, said: "It was fantastic to be able to come and get involved in the training that these young rugby stars were doing at the club.

"Hopefully I was able to give some help and advice that will be useful to them.

"It would be great to think from the talent that I’ve seen today that there could be one or two stars of the future that could be seen playing at Newcastle Falcons in years to come.

"The club looks in really good order for the future with youngsters from all ages training here, which is fantastic to see.

"Blyth Rugby Club is a great family club and I would encourage anyone locally to come along and join in especially as it leads to a healthy lifestyle."

The club has recently been given a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at a ceremony at Alnwick Castle and Gardens last month.

Jonny added: “Their Queen’s Award is well deserved as without the volunteers that I’ve seen working hard here today then the Youth Section wouldn’t be in the position it is today."

Max Proud, chairman of the youth section at Blyth Rugby Club, said: “I are very pleased to see the relationship between Newcastle Falcons and Blyth RFC continuing with the visit from Jonny Golding.

"He’s made a fantastic impression on all of our youngsters, moving from group to group and giving tips to the youngsters on how to improve their game.

"He is someone that a lot of the young people look up to and aspire to be like, so it is great that they are able to spend time with him and get to know what it's like to be a professional in the sport.”