CRICKET-mad Alistair Turner from Acton has ensured he will not forget this Ashes summer - whatever happens in the forthcoming Test series.

That's because he has already enjoyed a personal spot of coaching from one of the men - injuries permitting - who are expected to play a key role in the matches against the Aussies - the one and only Andrew Flintoff.

Alistair, 33, of Shakespeare Road, was the winner of a competition run by one of the Test venue sponsors, Sure for Men, which offered a coaching clinic with the great man as a prize.

He spent the afternoon at The MCC Coaching Academy in north London, taking pointers about how to improve his game, which may come in handy next time he turns out for his nomadic

club, the Southwell Ramblers. Although not quite able to bowl at 90 mph at the end of the session, Middlesex fan Alistair said: "The day was amazing, and meeting Flintoff was a fantastic experience I'll never forget.

"There's nothing in the world quite like getting coached by the best in the game."

Flintoff said: "I was really impressed with Alistair. You can instantly tell he has a passion for the game, which carries through to his cricketing skills.

"He was eager to learn and managed to improve his technique considerably after only a few coaching tips." 

Sure Men Sport is giving away Ashes tickets every day during June and July.

To find out more visit www.sureformen.co.uk