MEMBERS of a Saturday club in Darlington mixed with soccer stars from the past and present as they started a new project.

Youngsters from Longfield School, Haughton School and Hurworth School were given a tour of Middlesbrough Football Club.

They are using the Boro as a business model for a project organised by Hurworth School, Maths and Computing College.

Stars Gareth Southgate, Ray Parlour and Colin Cooper stopped to sign autographs at the Riverside Stadium prior to their 2-0 win over Liverpool.

The 18-strong group had a meal at the club and met Chris Waddle and John Aldridge, who were there as commentators.

The club members interviewed staff, took digital pictures and filmed the day out.

Organiser Nick Gawthorpe said: "Middlesbrough Football Club gave us access all areas and really looked after us.

"We wanted to focus on the club to see how it runs as a business.

"This day out will fuel their learning for the next 12 weeks."

The group will learn how to design a website, edit digital videos and create computer animation.

Mr Gawthorpe said: "We are trying to do things that are not on the usual curriculum."