Schoolboys were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime coaching session with a footballing legend.

Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton visited Maltings Academy in Spinks Lane, Witham to be guest speaker at a presentation evening last Thursday and spent an hour training with pupils beforehand.

The most-capped England player of all time organised a session with twenty aspiring footballers, watching their footwork and skill as they played in teams of four, two and one-on-one.

The sports star, who holds the all-time record for the most competitive appearances in world football, said he was particularly impressed with some of the boys’ goals, which he described as “good finishes”.

He gave them tips on how to look for the next passes and how to deal with different situations in the game.

He said: “I think to start with they were a little bit nervous, which is only natural - it happens every time I do coaching sessions, I appreciate that.

“I thought they did very well because I gave them different game situations, which made them think a little bit."

A full picture spread will be printed in next week's Witham Times, out on Thursday.