Former England footballer Sol Campbell returned to his old school to meet staff and students.
He took a tour of Lister Community School, which he attended as a boy, and saw some of the pupils show off their own ball skills during a PE lessons.
As well as leaving the school a signed copy of his autobiography, the former Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur defender signed books, football boots and shirts for fans.
Headteacher Anthony Wilson said: “It was fantastic to see a former Lister student who has achieved at the highest level taking the time to come and visit current students and staff.
“Sol embodies the Lister values of ‘always aiming for excellence’ and is a great role model for our students.”
The youngest of twelve children, Campbell grew up in Plaistow and also had spells at Portsmouth, Notts County and Newcastle United before retiring in 2012.
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