A Swanage headmaster and former open water swimming champ has appeared on TV with actor, Robson Green.

Dave Pratten, head teacher at Swanage Middle School, appeared in primetime ITV show, Robson Green’s Wild Swimming Adventure.

The two-part documentary, the first part of which was screened on Tuesday, follows Robson as he attempts to realise his father’s dream of swimming to Holy Island, which is a tidal island off his native north east coast.

Mr Pratten, 56, and friend Bob Holman, 64, were approached by Robson’s production company last year.

“Initially they wanted to ask for some advice on open water swimming,” said Mr Pratten.

“Bob’s a former channel swimmer and I’m the former national open water champion from the 1970s.”

After meeting in Swanage, the production team asked the pair – who swam a mile in all 100 UK outdoor pools for Save the Children last year – if they could film with Robson.

Mr Pratten said: “So we spent a day filming at the Tinside lido in Plymouth, where we gave him some swimming advice.

“Robson was a charming man, always happy to sign autographs for fans. We had a good day.”

The filming took place last summer, in Plymouth, then a month later at Dover.

During the two episodes Robson swims his way through lidos, tidal pools, lakes rivers and seas.

Mr Pratten said: “Its going to be quite an emotional journey for Robson, as it was his father’s dream to swim to Holy Island, but he died before getting the chance to complete it.

“It was an interesting experience to be part of the filming and I’m thoroughly enjoying seeing the show.”

Robson Green’s Wild Swimming Adventure continues on Tuesday at 9pm on ITV1.