BOYS from the Stokesley Juniors football team recently had the chance to learn from the man who nurtured the skills of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers.

Eric Harrison, coach co-ordinator at Manchester United and assistant manager of Wales, joined the 17-strong squad of 11-year-olds for one of their weekly training sessions at Eston leisure centre.

Mr Harrison, who coached the famous Manchester United youth team of 1993, conducted a variety of training exercises and a question and answer session with the young players.

They won their session with the coaching guru through a Co-operative Insurance Society initiative which invited junior teams around the country to write in and say why their team deserved a coaching session with Mr Harrison.

He said: "The children were a really good bunch. They were full of enthusiasm and showed great determination and commitment to the game - all invaluable skills for a footballer."

Team coach John Graham said: "Eric's coaching session was a real once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everyone had a fantastic day and we've all benefited from the advice given by Eric."