Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth helped to kick-start a new era at The Highcrest Academy last week when he opened its newly-expanded sports centre.

Gareth was special guest at the High Wycombe school on Thursday – scoring huge popularity among young fans who lined up to meet their hero.

The sports centre has been revamped and extended to include a fitness suite and fully-equipped gym.

It is part of an overall £3.3million set of improvements at the school which will include a new sixth form centre, a dining area and a science laboratory.

Assistant headteacher Paul Shaw said: “We were delighted that Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth offered to open the new sports facility.

"His appearance certainly caused a stir with many Wycombe Wanderers fans attending to meet their hero who signed shirts and posed for lots of pictures with them. 

“The sports centre, which is open to students from all year groups every morning from 7.30am, is already extremely busy and is a key part of improving what we have to offer our wonderful students.”

Afterwards, Gareth said: "It was great to visit Highcrest Academy and learn more about the progress they have made since re-opening in 2001.

"They have some fantastic facilities and I could see there are further developments ahead.

"Our ladies team secretary Emma Newberry is a PE teacher at the school so it was fantastic to know that her department will be benefiting from the improved sports hall, and nice for me to be able to play a part in a special day for the school.

"I'd like to thank Glen [Burke, principal] and his staff for welcoming me, and sharing our own experiences of the challenges that management can bring, whether it's with schoolchildren or footballers. 

"Many of the staff and pupils said they were keen to come along to a game soon which is brilliant, and that's what it's all about - connecting the community with their local football club."