Pupils at Pamphill First School welcomed a former Premier League footballer to their school recently.

Sylvain Distin cut a ribbon and then enjoyed half an hour in torrential rain playing football with the children, declaring the new games area as a ‘wonderful facility’.

Sylvain, who is French, spent 15 years playing in the Premier League with Newcastle, Manchester City, Everton, Portsmouth and finally at Bournemouth where he still lives.

Pamphill’s headteacher Mike Wheeler said: “We are so grateful to DMW Architects who not only designed the MUGA but also enabled us to further develop the pre-school’s new home.

“Howarth Construction made the plans a reality and were flexible with their timing so it was a huge surprise for the children on their return in September.

“After joining the school last year, I watched as children struggled with the unnecessary added challenge of playing sport on a slope.

“Now we have a level platform with a top quality surface on which the children can play football, basketball, and hockey among other things.

“We were also extremely grateful to Sylvain who opened it in front of the parents and then got soaked to the skin playing with the children. He was a true gentleman throughout.”

Sylvain said: “It was a pleasure to open the new wonderful facility and play football with the children.”

Pamphill is part of Wimborne Academy Trust whose CEO, Liz West, said: “Sport is an important part of our schools and we’ve had a number of children who have gone on to have professional sporting careers.

“I know the children will for enjoy this new games area for years to come.”