A SURPRISE visitor dropped in on young footballers taking part in coaching sessions in Hambleton Leisure Centre, Northallerton.

Middlesbrough and England star Danny Mills visited the four-day event, where he fielded questions about fellow team players, challenging opponents and how to become a star footballer.

He also pitted his skills against the group's goalkeepers.

The coaching courses with Middlesbrough Football Club are a regular holiday feature at Hambleton and Stokesley leisure centres.

Boro's professional coaches work with youngsters on shooting, passing and dribbling skills, as well as teamwork.

Richard Boucher, the leisure centre's assistant manager, said: "The coaching courses always go down well during school holidays and children really benefit from the professional coaching.

"Having Danny turn up at this session was the icing on the cake. All the children took home an autograph.

"The visit will be an inspiration to them, especially as they watch the England star on TV this summer."