BUDDING Beckhams attending a soccer summer school in Bushey received a surprise visit from former Watford FC and England manager Graham Taylor.

Mr Taylor visited the school, part of Hertsmere Borough Council's summer programme, as the patron of KitAid, a charity that recycles football kit and sends it to people across the developing world.

Youth Worker at Paddington Churches Housing Association and co-ordinator of the summer school, Arran Davidson, said: "When I told the children that Graham was coming there was a real buzz of excitement."

"He was fantastic.

"He spent time talking to all of the children and signed boots, balls, shirts."

About 35 children, aged eight to 15, take part in the school each week which started in July, and runs until next Friday.

Mr Davidson said: "There is a good mixture of girls and boys who take part.

"Some come back every week, while others just do a week here or there; we keep it open for that reason.

"Discipline is very high and the children work on different skills every day.

"We reward them with prizes each week, not just for ability but for everything."

Mr Taylor said: "I was delighted to become KitAid's patron and hope to help the charity raise its profile and bring more smiles to the faces of many children in Africa, India and Asia who love football but don't always have the equipment to play."