PUPILS from St John's Academy in Coleford got to play cricket at Lord's, where they were treated like VIPs.

The youngsters – many of whom had never played cricket before this summer – followed in the footsteps of legends like Freddie Flintoff and Sachin Tendulkar after winning a competition that featured more than 100 schools from across Gloucestershire.

Their coach, Fran Gabaldoni from Parkend CC said: "It was one of the best days of my life and I think the children would say the same thing. To see 36 kids – most of whom didn't even know what cricket was a few months ago – playing at the home of cricket and having a fantastic time was absolutely brilliant. It was a day they will never forget."

For more on this story, read The Forester.