A GROUP young people from a centre for vulnerable children enjoyed a VIP behind the scenes tour of Hartlepool United.

Players joined in the Christmas celebrations with the 17 pupils from Hartlepool Virtual School for Vulnerable Pupils, who were selected from every secondary school across the town.

The event held in the Club’s Victoria Lounge included a Christmas buffet, an Xbox to play on and presents donated for each of them to wrap up for their family or friends.

The youngsters were then given a guided tour of the stadium, being shown the brand new media room, home and away changing rooms, the dugouts and the press box.

Lewis Alessandra, Padraig Amond, Trevor Carson, Ben Dudzinski, Josh Laurent, Billy Paynter and Harly Wise all spent time posing for pictures and signing autographs for the stunned youngsters.

“I honestly think we’ve just given them the best Christmas present ever,” said Lucy Cumming, who works as the Education Officer for the Vulnerable Pupils. “It was such a unique experience for the children and it’s left them with some treasured memories."