HE was a football star before many of their own parents were even born.

But youngsters at The Priory School in Christchurch were awe-struck when Arsenal and Scotland legend Bob Wilson stepped on to their new football pitch for a kick-about.

Bob visited the Wick Lane school to officially open their mini football pitch, which was recently covered with AstroTurf thanks to fund raising by the Friends of Priory School.

Bob, who originally trained as a teacher, played for Arsenal as a goalkeeper and was also capped for Scotland before going on to have a successful career in broadcasting.

And he certainly joined in the spirit of things, allowing two children from each class an attempt to score against him in goal.

Head teacher Claire King said: “Bob stayed to talk to the children about some of his football experiences, showing them football kit from his childhood years as well as boots and shirts from his career.

“The children were in awe of our celebrity and we had queues snaking around the outside of the building with children aged 4-10 who were all keen to get his autograph.

“He may not have been on the pitch for some years but he captured the imagination of our pupils, engaging them all with a visual display of his skills in goal.”

The Priory has chosen the Willow Foundation as one of their school charities this year.

The Foundation was set-up by Bob and his wife Megs in memory of their daughter Anna and provides special days for people aged 16-40 years old who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.