ALL SMILES: George Elokobi with the girls from St Mary's

By George, what fun! Colchester United defender George Elokobi has been putting youngsters from St Mary's Lower School in Colchester through their footballing paces as they prepare for the school's forthcoming Open Day.

On Tuesday March 27th, families are being invited to visit the school, to experience life in what is now the only all-girl independent day school in north Essex.

Head of the Lower School Helen Dudley-Smith said: "St Mary's is a vibrant school, with a wide range of educational and sporting activities, and we want to show youngsters and their parents all that we have to offer.

"We pride ourselves in offering a learning environment in which every girl can achieve their full potential within a friendly family atmosphere."

Girls start playing football from the age of five, debunking the stereotype of what many people perceive an all girls' school to be like. Many of the pupils are also karate whizzkids and go on to achieve black belt status.

George Elokobi visited the school to show the girls some of his fancy footwork. Colchester United are currently among the top clubs in the Championship, in what is their first season in the division.

He said: "It's great to see children as young as five enjoying sport, particularly football. At Colchester United, we're very proud of the work that we do in the community because it teaches youngsters all about teamwork."

As part of the school's Open Day activities, from 10am to 4pm, children who are currently four or over are being invited with their parents to experience a programme of activities, and to see first-hand the benefits of teaching when there are small class sizes.

For further information or to book a place, please contact Jen Rudling at St Mary's Lower School on (01206) 211242.