RAYLEIGH artist Lisa Hawker took about 30 children to meet the players at Southend United's training ground as part of an arts project.

Aged from seven to 11, the children were from St Mary's Church of England school, Southend, Milton Hall, Westcliff, and St Michael's Independent Church of England school, Leigh.

They worked together to create three pieces of art for each school, reflecting the features and personalities of each community.

They took away a swag of autographs from Boots and Laces, as well as a bootprint of striker Shaun Goater, to be part of the St Mary's piece.

Published Monday, November 21, 2005