With all the bad publicity that has blighted the game of football, I should like to bring to your attention a recent visit by Chris Samba, of Blackburn Rovers, to St Bede’s Sports College.

His visit provoked excitement, enthusiasm and pleasure in pupils and staff. He was charming, friendly, extremely well mannered and had time for everyone.

He played table tennis against the pupils, showing a high standard of performance, and even had a go at judo, which caused some sharp intakes of breath, He signed everyone’s T-shirts, arms and phones, and had numerous pictures taken, all in good spirit The visit was scheduled for one hour but this stretched to two as he wouldn’t refuse any request made of him. Nothing was too much much trouble.

So I would like to use this opportunity to publicly thank him on behalf of myself and the pupils of St Bede’s, and thank BRFC for arranging it He is an excellent role model and gave us an insight into his range of skills, inspiring our young people who also aspire to be the top of their field.

Janice Fee St Bede’s RC High School Green Lane, Blackburn