STUNNED pupils got a surprise when West Ham star James Tom-kins turned up at their assembly.

The Hammers player had been invited to speak to pupils at Northlands Junior School, Pitsea, but teachers did not receive a reply.

Staff were amazed when Tomkins, a former pupil of the school, in Winifred Road, turned up for yesterday’s event.

They had given up hope of the Basildon-born central defender making an appearance.

Headteacher Kevin Watts said: “I got in touch because I thought he would be a great role model, especially for the boys. He was supposed to confirm if he could make it, but we heard nothing and presumed he wasn’t going to come.

“Ten minutes before the assembly started, he just turned up. We were as surprised as the children.

“He didn’t want anything in return. He did it because he enjoyed his time here and wanted to give something back.”

Tomkins, who also attended Chalve-don School and now lives in Brentwood, spoke to the children about the importance of working hard and good behaviour.

The pupils asked him questions, including how many kick-ups he could do, how much he earned and whether he liked ham sandwiches.

The star player took on a kick-up challenge, managing 100 touches without the ball hitting the ground.

Mr Watts, who taught the Hammers star as a boy, added: “In the end we had to ask him to stop. I think he could have kept going all day.

“He told the children how hard he worked to become a footballer, and that they had to concentrate on their grades and their behaviour as well.

“He was a real star and the teachers were also very impressed. It’s amazing how many of the staff turned out to be closet West Ham fans.”