Children enjoyed showing off their football skills as a new pitch was opened last week at their school.

Romford Recorder: Julian Dicks, West Ham footballer coached pupils from the school on the new pitch.Julian Dicks, West Ham footballer coached pupils from the school on the new pitch. (Image: Archant)

The all-weather surface at Whybridge Junior, Blacksmith Lane, Rainham, was officially opened by Julian Dicks, former West Ham United captain.

After the opening he gave the pupils a coaching session with advice and tips using the experience of his long playing career.

They were later visited by another former West Ham player, Freddie Sears, who plays for Colchester United.

Headteacher Chris Hobson said: “Everyone was very excited about the opening of the all-weather pitch.

“The children at the school and local community will benefit from this excellent facility that will provide quality experiences for those who use it.

“Special thanks is extended to the Veolia Trust for their support in this project.”

Mr Hobson said: “It means we now have first-class facilities for the children.”

The pitch is expected to be used by the children as well as the community and the school will be starting father and son football sessions too.

“It has made a 100 per cent difference to our provision and now we can have hockey clubs in the winter. too.

“We couldn’t do this before as the mud would affect play,” Mr Hobson added.