Former Manchester United and England star Gary Neville was welcomed to the Thames Ditton Schools Football Club (TDSFC) tournament on Saturday to present medals to the rising stars of football.

Children from reception through to year six received autographs on shirts and balls as Mr Neville made his way around the year groups.

The former footballer stood on the sidelines watching matches, before presenting each of the winning teams and individual awards with the medals and a sought-after handshake.

At the start of the medal ceremony, the football ace asked children if they had any questions they wanted to ask him, with children showing their excitement as the roving microphone was passed among the crowd of youngsters.

John Robson, Chair of TDSFC, said: "We were all delighted and very excited when we heard that Gary Neville had agreed to visit our club's annual tournament and we are extremely grateful to him for making the journey down from Manchester to Thames Ditton to present the medals and sign the odd shirt or two.

"Lots of people volunteered their time to make this end of season football tournament a great event and I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thanks to everyone who has been involved in one way or another and to Gary who has made today even more special.

"The children have enjoyed every minute.”

The tournament, which involved more than 200 children, was held at the Kingston Grammar School sports field, Summer Road.