Joe Wildsmith and Liam Thompson joined local school Parkview Primary today to speak to pupils ahead of their Christmas break, and wish good luck to their departing acting headteacher.

The players spoke to the whole school about some of the initiates they've studied this year as part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme, including Anti-Bullying, Rainbow Laces and No Room for Racism.

They answered questions about getting into football, watched aspiring young footballers perform their best skills and reiterated the importance of education to the pupils at the Oakwood school.

Rams' goalkeeper Wildsmith said:

"It's really important to keep focused on your education along with training hard too. My best advice would be to keep working hard and if you enjoy football, then keep playing and trying your best too!"

Thompson added:

"If you want to be a footballer then skill will only get you so far, you've got to have the right attitude too. It was a dream come true when I made my debut as I'm from around here too."

After taking part in the assembly, the players presented Mrs Clarke, who has been acting head at the school, with a personalised Derby shirt and a signed card from the players.

They then went around each classroom to pose for photos with each class and sign autographs for the children.

Premier League Primary Stars is a key part of Derby County Community Trust's schools delivery, and uses the power of football to engage pupils in educational topics such as writing, reading, maths and PSHE.