FOOTBALL legend Peter Beardsley has given youngsters a team talk to help them achieve their goals.

The former Newcastle and England star visited Lord Lawson of Beamish School, in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street.

He met year 11 pupils who were about to start study leave for their GCSE exams.

They heard about his career and saw some of his greatest goals before he presented them with their records of achievement.

Deputy headteacher Hedley Hayward said: "He likened exam stress to having pre-match nerves.

"He said the build-up to them was like waiting for a crucial game, but said nerves should never get the better of them."

The former Newcastle hero was welcomed by Year 11 students Paul Fraser and Adam Reay.

Students cheered when he entered the hall, watched by headteacher David Grigg, school governors and senior teachers.

Mr Hayward said: "He concluded by talking to the youngsters about the importance of perseverance and completing a task.

"He said that even if students did not think they should complete a task, they should still stick at it."

The footballer posed for photographs with pupils after the presentation.

Mr Hayward said: "It was lovely that he spent such time with everybody. He helped make it a very memorable day for the outgoing students."