MIDDLESBROUGH FC manager Tony Mowbray gave an inspirational talk to students at a North-East school when he formally opened its new £2m sports hall.

The sports hall and performing arts studio opened at Hurworth School, near Darlington, at the start of term, following a year-long building project.

Mr Mowbray, whose team trains at nearby Rockliffe, gave students advice on the importance of team work and a healthy lifestyle during his remarks.

Headteacher Dean Judson said students had been making enthusiastic use of the new facilities.

He said: “It has been a bit like Christmas Day, particularly for some of the older students who have had years using the old gym.

“To go from that to the new facilities – well they have been absolutely thrilled.

“Tony was fabulous, it was the first time I had met him. He was really down-to-earth and spent an hour and a half in the school, speaking to staff, governors, parents and students.”