David Beckham has returned to his former primary school for the first time since he left 30 years ago.

Waltham Forest's most celebrated footballer in recent history visited hundreds of pupils at Chase Lane Primary School in York Road, Chingford, on Friday.

The surprise visit, kept hidden from pupils and parents until the day, was organised by Sainsbury’s in which Beckham is an ambassador for the supermarket's 'Active Kids' programme.

Headteahcer Carolyn Houstoun introduced the Leytonstone-born player to over 180 cheering ten year olds inside the assembly hall before taking him on a visit of the school's grounds.

The father-of-four spoke to children about his 20 year career as a professional footballer, being educated at the school and even gave some advice to the under 11s football team before they head to Wembley for the Year 6 national finals on May 25. 

"Coming back, I've noticed so much has changed but all the memories of my favourite classes and kicking about in the playground has come flooding back.

"I remember being happy when I used to come to school, I never used to miss a day unless I was sick. I was never a top pupil but I always worked hard and my work was always neat.

"We had quite a good few young players in the school, so I don't think I was the best in the class and for some reason, I always remember being picked last in the school games on the field at break time."

Chase Lane is one of 51,000 schools, groups and sports clubs to have signed up to the scheme aimed at inspiring children to eat healthy and stay active.