FOOTBALL stars went back to school yesterday to help raise the profile of a scheme to boost foreign language learning.

Newcastle United's French players, Laurent Robert and Olivier Bernard, visited Ryton Comprehensive School and the junior school next door.

"We learned French today," Bernard joked. "We taught some basic French - phrases such as 'what is your name' and 'how are you'."

The pair proved a huge hit with youngsters, who were visibly awestruck at meeting two of their sporting heroes, and the pair were mobbed by eager autograph hunters once the lesson was over.

Ryton Comprehensive has language college status and sends French teachers into all its feeder schools, to give them a head start.

"I think that if children are given the opportunity, they will love speaking French," said Bernard. "It is not easy to learn but I am sure that if you start them early they will enjoy it and learn quickly."

Robert said: "It is really important that younger children learn French and I am very happy to be here to promote that."

Bernard admitted it was not easy communicating when he first arrived in the North-East, but said he has settled in well.

"A lot of people are very good and know the basics - it made things easy for us because they made us feel comfortable," he said. "I have met a lot of French people here and life is getting better."

Ryton Comprehensive's assistant headteacher Steve Brent said: "It has been excellent - everything we hoped it would be and more. The players were magnificent, they mixed with the kids and really got involved. It is great to see players doing something for the community."