School students with additional needs were welcomed onto the pitch at Blackburn Rovers last weekend, after winning a UK-wide competition.

Pupils from Mayfield School - which caters for children with additional learning and physical needs - took first place in a ‘Classroom Goals’ competition for their fundraising efforts on behalf of Chorley Hedgehog Rescue Centre over the past year.

The ‘Classroom Goals’ competition asked schools across the country to share examples of how collaboration and teamwork can achieve a goal.

Lancashire Telegraph: The group of school pupils outside Ewood ParkThe group of school pupils outside Ewood Park (Image: Technical Marketing PR)

The competition was launched by Blackburn-based Promethean in partnership with the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, the award-winning official charity of the football club. The winning school received a fully funded trip for pupils, parents, carers, and teachers to watch a match at Ewood Park and join players to form the Guard of Honour ahead of kick-off.

Headteacher Ian Dickson announced the school had won the competition at a cake and coffee morning just before Easter, surprising visitors with a visit from Blackburn Rovers’ mascot, Rover the Dog.

Ian said: “The children absolutely loved the experience and it’s given both them and their parents the confidence to come to another game in the future. They all had an amazing time and got so much out of it. Thank you to Promethean and Blackburn Rovers for everything.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Lily Mae Hoyle with the Rovers MascotLily Mae Hoyle with the Rovers Mascot (Image: Technical Marketing PR)

Head of UKI and ANZ Markets at Promethean, Simon Port added: “As part of the competition, Mayfield School demonstrated that value runs through every part of their organisation. It’s been a pleasure to learn about the pupils and everything they’ve done for the rescue centre, and it was an absolute pleasure to celebrate together with them on matchday.”

Head of operations at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, Martin Winters said: “The entry from Mayfield School truly stood out to us. What these pupils and their parents, carers, and teachers have been able to achieve is brilliant, and everyone should be very proud of themselves.”