World championship medalist and record holder Mark Foster thrilled fans when he appeared at his old swimming club.

Mark - who grew up in Thorpe Bay -- visited Southend-on-Sea Swimming Club squad's training session at the Warrior Swim Centre after he offered a lesson as part of an auction of promises.

Splashback - record swimmer Mark Foster visited Southend-on-Sea Swimming Club Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Bournes Green School, in Ladram Road, held the auction to raise cash for the cancer unit at Southend Hospital - and the club won.

Mark has World, European and Commonwealth medals to his name and has also broken the world record for 50 metres freestyle and butterfly.

The 33-year-old said: "I was born in Billericay and my family moved to Thorpe Bay when I was about two.

"I think I've still got the club champ record - but I'll have to check that!"

Published Monday, June 30, 2003

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