Pupils at a school in Hertfordshire greeted goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton when he arrived to open a new #163;666,000 sports centre.

The footballing great, who is the most capped England player of all time, opened the complex at the Meridian School in Royston on Monday.

The school, along with Hertfordshire County Football Association, won more than #163;316,000 in funds towards the centre from the Football Foundation.

A new artificial grass pitch will be shared by the school and local football clubs.

Michael Firth, the school’s head, said: “Without the all-important grant from the Football Foundation, this outstanding community and school facility would not have happened.

“On behalf of all those who will benefit from it, we are grateful to community partners who helped make it happen.”

Jenny Probert, sports development officer at the school, said: “The new facility is going to be a great asset to Royston, and I’m sure the whole community will benefit from it being here.” DM.