EXCITED pupils welcomed a homegrown England football star into their school.

Manchester City and England football team star Georgia Stanway visited children at Greengate Junior School in Barrow on Friday.

The inspirational sportswoman came to show her support after the girls year five and six girls football teams came runners up at this years County Cup held in Carlisle.

The 19-year-old forward brought the children signed photographs and flags from her latest England Football game.

The pupils' achievements at this years competition saw them exceed any of their previous attempts, as the schools team goes from strength to strength with Jack Rushton, team coach, leading the way.

Neil Irving, year four teacher at Greengate Junior School, said: “They did so well this year, only giving away one goal for the entire competition and only loosing on goal difference.

“It was also great to see one of their idols come down to show their support.

“They were absolutely gobsmacked when they first saw her, they had no idea she was coming.”

The whole school gathered to listen to Georgia as she described her life as a professional footballer.

She then stayed to watch the year four assembly and enjoyed a cup of tea while showing the girls some of her many goals.

Georgia was also able to answer all of the girls’ questions. One girl was even lucky enough to receive a shirt signed by Georgia and her team mates.

Mr Irving said: “She is a fantastic role model for the children and hopefully this has given them the boost they need to know what can really be achieved if they put the work in. We just hope as the girls get older and move on beyond our school they keep playing and keep striving to be as good as they can, following Georgia’s example.”