BORO'S top scorer Yakubu was a popular guest when he presented awards to children from four Stockton primary schools who took part in courses at Middlesbrough Football Community Project.

The Nigerian international visited the Project's Eston HQ to celebrate their hard work and achievements.

Harrogate and Hardwick Primary Schools took part in a Football Solutions course involving information technology, literacy and numeracy.

A special literacy award was made as pupils wrote a letter of welcome to Yakubu on his arrival from Portsmouth.

Meanwhile, pupils from Roseworth and St John the Baptist Primary Schools took part in a Lads and Dads course combining football skills with parent interaction.

The courses are held in partnership with Stockton North Achievement Zone and have proved particularly successful.

Health Promotion and Football Solutions co-ordinator Stephen Brown says: "The children from both schools worked tremendously hard throughout the five-week course and did exceptionally well in completing their tasks. They can be proud of their achievements. "

Special thanks are given to Judy Hooton and Margaret Scott, of SNAZ, for all their hard work in co-ordinating and cementing such a great working relationship with MFCP.