Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling turned up at Rift House Primary School, Hartlepool, to open an adjoining children's centre.

Jeff has great memories of his time at the school and hoped the children attending the Masefield Road centre will bring more success to the town.



He said: "It's fantastic to be back. All I have is good memories of my time here at school and my mum still lives on Catcote Road.

"There are people I went to school with who have been just as successful if not more than me. I'm honoured to be the one asked to come along.

"One is a leading TV producer, another designed a plasma TV and one runs his own multi-million pound company.

"Rift House has always needed some attention and I'm delighted this centre has opened. I live in Winchester, which is quite posh, but the children there have just the same potential as the children here. This centre will help them get the breaks they need."

Among the facilities on offer at the centre are therapy sessions by MIND, healthy eating courses, parent advice sessions and reading lessons.

Sarah Foster, the centre's integration support manager, said: "I hope it will become the heart of the community as we have so much to offer. Jeff is a great role model and has been fantastic with the children."

After meeting children and staff, Jeff went on to the school to take part in a sports festival but could not help mentioning football before he went.

"I think Hartlepool United did well this year when you consider some of the big teams like Leeds who are in the same league," said the avid Pools fan."

Ring (01429) 284610 for more information about the centre.