SOUTHAMPTON Operatic Society is setting its sights for a major hit with its latest production - thanks to Olympic shooter Richard Faulds.

The Hampshire gold medal winner, who shot his way to victory in the Sydney 2000 Olympics, was on hand last night to give members of the society a pointer or two for their Wild West musical, Annie Get Your Gun.

The 25-year-old sportsman from Andover helped Alex Dunn and Mike Pavitt - playing Annie Oakley and Frank Butler in the classic Irving Berlin show - get on target with advice for some truly authentic sharpshooting.

"I gave them a few tips on how to hold the gun and what eye to close and so on," said Richard, who first competed for Britain when he was just 12.

Society publicist Barbara Rayner e-mailed Richard for help with her two leads, who are both gun novices.

"If you're going to have two people playing the best shooters in the world, you need to get the best tuition," she said.

Although the cast of Annie Get Your Gun will only be handling replica guns on stage, with sound effects in place of real ammunition, they are hoping to impress audiences with some realistic gun-handling.

Barbara said: "We've learned some good stuff from Richard, which hopefully means we'll look more authentic on stage."

Richard, who brought his treasured gold medal along to the lesson to dazzle society members, fired his way to victory in the men's double trap shoot-out against Australia's Russell Mark in September 2000, becoming Britain's first shooting gold medallist in 12 years.

Annie Get Your Gun, based on the true story of illiterate hillbilly turned champion shooter Annie Oakley, will be staged by Southampton Operatic Society at the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton from January 28-February 3. For tickets call the box office on 023 8067 1771.