Football legend honoured to share name with school

Sir Geoff Hurst met with head teacher Tracey Plane during his return to Chelmsford

Football legend Sir Geoff Hurst says he is "surprised and honoured" to have a new school named after him.

The 1966 World Cup hat-trick hero, 83, went to school in Chelmsford and saw how the site he once attended had been transformed on Thursday.

Named the Sir Geoff Hurst Academy, the school caters for children aged 7-16 who have additional learning needs.

"I'm very proud of that and I'm delighted to be here and involved in the opening," the former England, West Ham United and Stoke City striker said.

Geoff Hurst (right) collects his 1966 World Cup medal from Elizabeth II, just after his England and West Ham captain Bobby Moore collects the trophy

Sir Geoff told the BBC he had fond memories of Chelmsford, having moved from Lancashire to Greenways, in the Broomfield area, at the age of six or seven.

It was so his father could work a new job and play for the city's football team, while he attended the now-closed Rainsford High School.

Pupils will be encouraged to learn about Sir Geoff during their studies

"I've still got lovely pictures at home of my father in the Chelmsford City strip," he said.

"That was the prime reason for moving from the north, where I was brought up with the family, down here to Chelmsford."

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Sir Geoff, whose iconic goals secured England's only World Cup win, said being contacted by the new school came as a surprise.

"I didn't think all those years ago I'd be coming back here 70-odd years later with an academy named after me," he added.

But he said it was "absolutely vital" that children received the best education they could.

"It's such an important part of your life. It's very, very important the quality of schools are suitable for kids," Sir Geoff said.

Tracey Plane is head teacher at the school, which opened in February

Head teacher Tracey Plane said the school would provide specialist education that met the needs of its pupils, while offering boarding for 15 youngsters.

She said it was "very exciting" to have Sir Geoff associated with it.

"It gives the children someone to look up to and feel proud about the school they attend," Miss Plane added.

"I think the name attached to that is very special for them."