WHEN pupils were asked to "Invite your Hero to Lunch'' many came up with pop stars and cartoon characters.

But one seven-year-old taking part in the Sunderland school meals event had no hesitation. Samantha Ward, a pupil at New Silksworth School selected Captain Eddie Arnold and his wife Elaine, from the Sunderland Millfield Corps of The Salvation Army.

Her reasons were "because they care and look after poor people and help to feed and clothe them and teach them about the Bible.''

Samantha had no idea they had been invited to lunch, and was delighted to join them for a lunch of fish fingers, beans and a jacket potato.