Children and teachers from a New Malden school welcomed back a famous sporting old boy.

Former England cricket captain former Alec Stewart visited Coombe Hill Juniors as an ambassador of charity Chance to Shine and Marylebone Cricket Club.

Mr Stewart attended the school 42 years ago before studying at Tiffin Boys in Kingston.

He is the most capped Test cricketer ever and returned to his former school after to teach pupils about the sport. Mr Stewart said: “It’s great to come back to see the kids and to go into the old school assembly hall.

“I think it’s brilliant what Chance to Shine and MCC are doing in the way they’re teaching the youngsters, not just cricket, but life skills too.

“Cricket’s been a major part of my life, from when I first started here at the school and I had dreams to play for Surrey and for England.

“I fell in love at a young age and I’m still in love with the game now.”

Headteacher Mark Clutterbuck added: “The pupils had a fantastic time and I hope that Alec enjoyed coming back to the school he attended as a boy.

“We are now proud owners of a signed bat which will be displayed in a foyer reinforcing Alec’s and MCC’s message – play hard, play fair.”