Budding soccer stars were put through their paces by a World Cup winning England international footballer.

Here we go : soccer hero Chris (right), went back to his old school and passed on a few tips to pupils who want to follow in his footsteps. Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

Former pupil Chris Kemsley-Smith, 19, who picked up a medal at the Learning Disability World Cup in Japan in August, returned to Treetops School, in Dell Road, South Ockendon, to share his skills with students in front of Sky TV cameras.

The company filmed Chris and former Grays assistant manager, Lyndon Lynch, at a training session with 12 lucky students.

It is hoped the Sky feature on Chris will raise both his profile and that of sports for people with learning disabilities.

Paul Smith, headteacher at Treetops, and the man who recommended Chris for England trials, said: "Chris is a top lad. Everyone here is really happy for him and what he's achieved."

Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo

Brought to you by the Evening Echo