Southend United are joining up with Temple Sutton School to reward hard-working pupils.

The club has donated three adult season tickets after local councillors bought three £23 junior tickets that will be handed out to students every home game.

Temple Sutton school governor Councillor Reg Copley suggested the scheme to his two St Luke's Ward colleagues, Kevin Robinson and Mike Royston, after reading about the £23 tickets in the Evening Echo.

"I said to them it would be good if we could sponsor three tickets and have them handed to the headteacher of the school for the youngsters he feels should be rewarded," said Mr Copley.

"My colleagues agreed with me that it would be good for the schoolchildren and a good boost for local sporting activities."

Mr Copley picked up the tickets from Shrimpers' deputy chairman Geoffrey King at Roots Hall yesterday.

And the initiative is just the first step in the Shrimpers' plans to get more involved in the community.

"We were approached by Councillor Reg Copley with the idea and we are currently looking to do so much more in the community, so it fitted in with our plans," said Blues marketing assistant Ross Hill.

"By rewarding pupils through them coming along to matches it's a great way for Southend United to help motivate them in their school work."

Published Monday, June 2, 2003

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