MEMBERS of a cup-winning school football team were presented with their trophy and medals by their village's most famous son.

Sacriston-born Sir Bobby Robson, who went on to both play for and manage England, was the guest of honour at St Bede's RC Primary School in the County Durham village yesterday.

The entire roll of 80 pupils were joined by parents and grandparents in the recently-opened school sports hall, for the presentation by Sir Bobby, who began the season as boss of Newcastle United at the end of a glittering playing and managing career.

He gave the youngsters an inspiring talk, and spoke of his early days in the village before his family moved to nearby Langley Park, when his coal-mining father switched collieries.

Sir Bobby then signed autographs, photographs and even football shirts for his audience, old and young alike.

He also reminisced with a contemporary, Tom Darwin, another Sacriston man who went on to play professional football for Huddersfield Town.

Headteacher Harry Thomason coached the school team to a share of the Canon Gaughan Trophy, following a 0-0 draw after extra time in the final, against St George's RC Primary, from Bell's Close, in Newcastle.

Mr Thomason said Sir Bobby was the perfect choice to present the trophies.

"He was excellent, we couldn't have asked for more."

Mr Thomason was surprised to be presented with a tankard by Sir Bobby, as a token of thanks from his colleagues after 30 years running the school team.