THERE are not many physiotherapists who can claim they helped England to reclaim the Ashes this summer.

But Dave "Rooster" Roberts is one man who can.

The Horwich-based specialist helped Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff recover from an operation on his ankle ahead of the Test series.

And the all-rounder turned out to be one of the key men in England's long battle to victory.

Dave, aged 46, said: "He worked very hard to get fit and I have never taken as much pleasure in somebody else's success.

"I was with the England cricket team for about six years until 1996. Then a few years later, I became the physio to Lancashire Cricket Club, where I first met Freddie.

"He was sent home unfit from Australia in 2002 during the last Ashes series for me to get him right for the cricket World Cup in 2003. He spent a lot of time here undergoing rigorous rehabilitation, running around Rivington Pike to get stronger.

"Then this January, he needed physio after ankle surgery. We spent about three months in and around Bolton together."

Dave's relationship with Freddie, who is now in Pakistan with the England team, extends beyond physiotherapist and patient. The injury specialist, whose practice is in Chorley New Road, Horwich, went to Flintoff's stag party.

And he was at the celebrations in September after the Ashes victory, which led to a red-eyed Freddie meeting the Prime Minister and stumbling into Downing Street.

Dave, whose is regarded as one of the best physios in the country, said: "I left Freddie about 6.30am and have no idea how he got his blazer and tie on for the trip to Downing Street."

And it is not just Flintoff that Dave has brushed shoulders with. During his 20-year career, he has also been called up to cure the complaints of guitar king Eric Clapton, former cricket star Ian Botham and Scottish funnyman Billy Connolly.

"But it's important that whoever the client is - Freddie Flintoff or a factory guy who's hurt his back - I treat them the same way."

l THE weekly programme to get Freddie Flintoff fit after his ankle surgery included:

l A 90-minute session of running and walking on uneven surfaces at Rivington Pike.

l A one-hour game of racquetball against physiotherapist Dave Roberts.

l Developing strength in the left leg by hopping from a step-box to a wobble board.

l Four sets of 20 sit-ups on a balance ball.

l Four sets of 15 sit-ups with a five kilogramme medicine ball.

l Running in water.

l Batting in nets.

l Going through his bowling action at walking pace.

l Warm weather training in Spain, including running on sand.