RARELY can there be too many occasions when pupils are desperate to get into school two hours early.

But the relaxation of uniform rules and the prospect of bacon butties galore will have the population of St Francis Xavier School, in Richmond, in their seats by 7am during the World Cup.

Paying £1 for the privilege, with all money going towards research into motor neurone disease, the casually-dressed youngsters will be tucking into an early breakfast as England take on Nigeria on June 12.

And as they eat, a big screen in the school hall will be beaming images back from the Far East to allow pupils to cheer on the team.

Head of geography Patrick Cook, who has organised the events, said: "We did it for World Cup '98 in France, when England played Tunisia, and it was a success then.

"We are also doing World Cup themed geography lessons at the school, with there being 32 different countries to look at."

The chances of the breakfast bonanza being repeated are open to question though - the school will only do it again if England reach the semi-finals.