DESPITE years of being taught foreign languages in schools, most Britons still think the best way to communicate with our European neighbours is by speaking at them slowly and loudly in English.

Today, North-East pupils will be saying "bonjour" to two of their sporting heroes, as European footballers attempt to show youngsters that there is a better way.

Laurent Robert, Newcastle United's French international midfielder, and French team-mate Olivier Bernard are to visit Ryton Comprehensive School and Ryton Community Junior School, Gateshead.

The players will join classes in a bid to tempt young fans to learn foreign languages.

Steve Brent, assistant headteacher at Ryton Comprehensive, said: "Being taught by your heroes has got to be a terrific motivation to do well.

"Football is almost like a religion here and, by involving footballers, we hope to increase motivation, particularly among the boys. Our lack of language skills abroad is embarrassing.

"As a school, we have targeted the fact that we have got to start languages at an early age. At the moment, we are concentrating on French, but maybe we can get Nobby Solano in and do some Spanish as well."

This afternoon, Robert and Bernard will spend an hour with year six pupils, aged ten and 11, at the primary school, before meeting year seven children at the comprehensive, which has language college status.

The scheme is part of a drive involving footballers from all the Barclaycard Premiership clubs, to boost pupils' linguistic confidence.

Hazel Greener, of Newcastle United, said: "We have players who speak Spanish, Greek and Portuguese, as well as French, and we are hoping they can take part, too."