Pupils at an east Suffolk school were left “inspired” after two Ipswich Town players came to answer their questions on the beautiful game.

Wickham Market Primary School’s Year Four and Five classes took turns to interview Town stars Stephen Hunt and Jay Tabb. Year Four teacher Leslie Denny said the pupils had prepared “hundreds of questions” and were delighted by the responses.

“They were great with the children, had fantastic answers to their questions and stayed to sign the footballs and shirts,” she added.

“The children absolutely loved it and they seemed to get so much out of it. I think they were inspired – I’ve got a lot of boys in my class and the visit gave them the inspiration to think, if they can do it, why can’t I?”

The players’ visit came as part of the ITFC Education Programme, which is sponsored by the Seckford Foundation and helps children develop their reading, writing and listening skills. Schools across Suffolk were invited to become a “Friend of ITFC” and receive a range of rewards including one adult and one child season ticket to use as incentives for the pupils in class.

Mrs Denny said the scheme had been a real success in encouraging the children to progress their written work and helped create a sense of excitement in the school.

Jade Cole, ITFC PR manager and co-creator of the programme said: “Wickham Market Primary School is the twelfth school we have delivered this creative writing project to, with another eight visits before the end of the season. The press-conference style visit has proved a great learning experience for key stage two pupils, giving them an opportunity to put their literacy skills into practice in a real life situation and gaining a greater understanding of what it’s like to be a professional football player.”