PUPILS at a Chingford school received a visit from a rising football star.

Jordan Spence, who recently made his Premier League debut for West Ham United and is captain of the England under-19 squad, spent time with pupils at Chingford C of E Junior School, in Cambridge Road.

The Woodford-born defender attended a special assembly and talked to the pupils about his career and Christian faith.

Deputy headteacher Ian Osborne, said: "Jordan is an excellent role model for the children.

"He is the next big thing at West Ham and has got a really good reputation already.

"The pupils absolutely loved him and he did everything for them, signing autographs and talking to them.

"He spoke with passion about his faith and gave an insightful talk about what it takes to make it as a professional footballer."

The assembly, organised by Mr Osborne, featured the Frantic theatre company as well as Jordan.

They held a competition between the young football star and Mr Osborne, where they each stood in a box wearing clown trousers and had to collect as many foam pads as they could.

Jordan also autographed some West Ham memorabilia, which the school plans to use to raise money for charity.

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