England cricketer James Anderson visits former primary school

James Anderson and Emma Lamb, a Lancashire women’s cricketer from Preston, visited St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Holcombe Drive last week.

The school’s P.E lead, Amy Neill, had been in contact with the cricket charity ‘Chance to Shine’ to arrange some coaching sessions in school with the children.

James Anderson and Emma Lamb playing cricket with St Mary’s Primary School children (Image: St Mary’s Primary School)

Chance to Shine is a charity who aim to give all children the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket.

They believe cricket helps children learn resilience, teamwork and respect.

Amy was then asked if St Mary’s would participate in a programme the BBC is producing about James, England's greatest Test bowler of all time.

Amanda Barrett, the school’s deputy head, said St Mary’s was chosen as it was James’ former primary school.

James Anderson signing pupils' t-shirts at St Mary’s Primary School in Burnley (Image: St Mary’s Primary School)

Amanda, who taught 40-year-old James when he was a pupil, said: “We welcomed this opportunity. It was lovely to spend the day with James and show him around.

“St Mary’s buildings have changed a lot in recent years but he recognised some parts that haven’t changed much. He is still as polite and well-mannered as he was as a child.”

An ex-teacher, Mrs Tina Bradley, who is now a governor of the school, came in on the day and was interviewed about her memories of James as a child.

Amanda said children were excited to see reporters and cameramen at the school and Year 2 children were eager to ask him questions in a Q&A session.

He also joined in on a cricket game with the children.

James Anderson signing pupils' t-shirts at St Mary’s Primary School in Burnley (Image: St Mary’s Primary School)

Amanda said: “On the day there was an air of excitement around school as reporters, camera men and lots of the media arrived on site from 7am onwards.

“James then joined in a cricket session with the Chance to Shine coaches and our Year 3 children.

"The children had a fantastic time playing cricket with him and Emma and our Year 2 children loved asking Jamesquestions and listening to his answers.

“It was a privilege to meet him. Before he left, he very kindly signed Chance to Shine t-shirts for our Year 2 and Year 3 children.

“It was a wonderful experience for all our children to take part in. It inspired them to try and take up cricket in the future and hopefully filled them with aspiration to realise that they are capable of achieving great things in life like James and Emma.”

Despite turning 40, James Anderson is expected to lead the line once again in this summer's Ashes Series against Australia, which comes to Lancashire CCC's home ground of Old Trafford for the fourth Test from July 19 to 23.