By Dan King

Spanish stars Jose Enrique and Xisco met a group of youngsters from St. Lawrence's RC Primary School in Byker to help the pupils with their language studies.

The children were invited to Newcastle United's Benton-based Training Centre on Tuesday afternoon - and brought a Spanish flag along to welcome the Magpies pair.

Then, after saying 'hola' to the Valencia-born left-back and Mallorca-born striker, the children got the chance to ask Enrique and Xisco some questions - in English - about their home country.

They learned about the weather, architecture and culture of Spain, while the duo also spoke about how they cope with spending Christmas away from their families, particularly as Xisco became a father recently.

Bernie Lamb, the school's head-teacher and a longstanding Newcastle season-ticket holder, said: "It was absolutely fantastic.

"The children were so excited about meeting two of their heroes and the rest of the school were very jealous!

"We're very grateful that the players gave up their time to teach the children about their country and culture and it will certainly help them with their studies."