Phil Banning, 68, abused four girls between 1976 and 1982 at Andover Athletics Club in Hampshire.

The former Welsh national coach pleaded guilty at Winchester Crown Court to 18 counts of indecent assault.

Judge Keith Cutler said Banning had groomed girls who “idolised” him, in what was a “grave abuse of trust”.

Tim Moores, prosecuting, said the offences happened during massages and at private meetings organised by Banning, from Penhow, Newport.

“Under the guise of acting as coach and mentor, Banning was in fact pursuing a regime of abuse against certain members of the club,” he said.