A Keighley teacher is gaining worldwide recognition for his pioneering techniques which could produce the sporting stars of the future.

Tristan Wallhead, who teaches PE at the town's Oakbank Sports College, has been invited to present findings on his inspirational teaching methods to the World Psychology Congress in Greece later this year.

Mr Wallhead will reveal how the methods, which are based on Australian college teaching techniques, affect the enthusiasm and drive of young athletes.

He said: "The Australians have been so successful in sport over the last few years that we thought they must be doing something right with their young sportsmen and women at school level.

"The way it works is that after three or four lessons from the teacher the kids take over responsibility for the lessons themselves.

"I'm always there to supervise the lessons but the kids help each other and teach each other.

"It encourages leadership and organisational skills.

"Taught in smaller groups, the children learn how to operate as a team and compete against each other in a league."

Mr Wallhead studied the effect of the methods as part of a masters degree in sports science and exercise which he studied at Leeds Metropolitan University.

He said: "I looked at the youngsters' motivation before and after the course.

"I found it increased as time went on because they were finding PE more enjoyable, doing what they wanted to do and being led by their peers.

"It's quite an honour to be invited to present my findings to the World Psychology Congress.

"They are interested in the results because they show what makes students and sportsmen tick."

Student team leader Dan Bancroft, 15, said he had benefited from the course.

He said: "It was really good fun. I think we got much more out of the lessons because we all helped each other and learned from each other.

"There was more of a team spirit which made it more enjoyable."