A wrestling world champion delivered a special masterclass to potential stars of the future while visiting an old friend in Egremont.

WWE superstar Finn Balor – who was crowned the company's first Universal Champion in August – held a training session for a group of students at Johnny Moss' School of Hard Knocks and Hammerlocks.

Moss helped train Balor – real name Fergal Devitt – in his early days and they once teamed up together at an event at Whitehaven Civic Hall in 2004.

"It was fantastic," said Moss. "From day one he said he would come here and after two years he's made it. We go back a long way, I was his original coach and he used to come from Ireland to train with me in Kent.

"We're close friends and talk a lot. He's an idol to a lot of these boys so it's nice he took the time to pass on his wisdom."

Irishman Balor is currently on the injured list, having suffered a shoulder injury in his Universal Championship match with Seth Rollins in the main event of the SummerSlam pay-per-view. He was forced to relinquish his title the following day.

He has worked around the world before becoming one of the hottest talents in the industry, making his long-anticipated WWE debut earlier this year.

Moss said: "The kids are mesmerised by him, he's easily one of the most recognisable wrestlers in the world.

£He's such a humble lad, he's the same lad he always was when I met him 16 years ago."

During his visit, Balor answered questions from inquisitive young wrestlers about his rise to the top and how the industry works, before passing on tips.

Since opening his wrestling school in 2014, Johnny has called his contacts book to welcome a number of special guests to Egremont, including former WWE stars Al Snow, Chris Masters and Bob 'Hardcore' Holly.

Moss recently took part in a revival of the iconic World of Sport show which will be broadcast on ITV over the New Year period.

For more information on the School of Hard Knocks and Hammerlocks, contact Moss on 07456 730303.