ALTRINCHAM'S the Best Western Cresta Court Hotel, in Altrincham played host to one of England’s 2014 Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medal winners recently.

Greater Manchester swimmer, James Guy, popped into the hotel to say hello to the Cresta Court team and talk about his medal winning experience.

James, aged 18, was awarded a gold medal for his part in the 4 x 100m relay team, through which he helped the team makes the finals with a storming performance in the heats.

He also won an individual bronze in the 400m freestyle on the opening day of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, which smashed the British record at the same time.

He visited the hotel to talk to the staff about his strict training regime and all the hard work that goes into competing at such a high level.

Competing at the highest level during 2013 and 2014 saw James break through the ranks of British swimming and make his mark in the national team with a hat-trick of gold medals at the 2014 British Gas Swimming Championships in the 200m Freestyle, 400m Freestyle and 200m Fly, and breaking the British record in the 400m Free.

General manager, Paul Hindley, said: “It was great that James could spare the time from his busy schedule to come and visit the team here at Cresta Court.

"All the hard work that goes into becoming a medal winner at such a high level is unbelievable and has certainly given extra motivation to the team here. We wish him lots of luck with future competitions and fingers crossed for Rio in 2016.”

James Guy added: “It’s fantastic to be able to talk about what it takes to become a medal winner and the team at Cresta Court gave me a warm welcome. "Hopefully I’ll be back again soon with an even bigger medal haul."