PUPILS were given new goals when Bolton Wanderers star Erhun Oztumer paid a special visit to Highfield Primary School in Farnworth.

It was part of the youngsters' Daily Mile initiative, which aims to get children out of the classroom for 15 minutes every day to run or jog, at their own pace, with their classmates, making them fitter, healthier and more able to concentrate in the classroom.

Pupils at Highfield have embraced the initiative so much that the club rewarded them with a visit from the Whites' very own Number Seven.

Oztumer answered the pupils' questions about his career, posed for photographs with each class and also joined in their Daily Mile.

Speaking following the visit, he said: "I've really enjoyed coming down here today to Highfield Primary - the staff and pupils were really welcoming and made me feel so comfortable from the minute I walked in the door.

"Having an initiative like The Daily Mile in schools really is a fantastic thing - there was nothing like this when I was at school and with technology and social media nowadays, kids probably don't get as much exercise as they should.

"With this though, it makes it fun and something for them to look forward to alongside aiding them with their studies."

Steve Obertelli, development officer for Premier League Primary Stars at the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, added: "As part of our PL Primary Stars programme, we are constantly working with schools to help them to increase the levels of active learning taking place.

"Whilst doing this, we aim to inspire children to lead more active and healthy lifestyles whilst outlining the benefits to both physical and mental wellbeing and as a result, many schools across Bolton have adopted the Daily Mile initiative.

"Having 'Ozzy' visit Highfield and discuss the benefits of being healthy and how it relates to being a professional sportsperson is something you cannot put a price on.

"Children are encouraged to be healthy but to have such a fantastic role model there in person brings it all to life for them.”

Any schools who are interested in being a part of Bolton Wanderers Community Trust’s Premier League Primary Stars programme should contact Steve on 07817451030 or via email sobertelli@bwct.org.uk.