Pupils’ Paralympic promotion earns them a surprise visit from Beckham

It was a reward for going above and beyond the call of duty in promoting Paralympic sport and ideals, both on and off the playground, as part of the Sainsbury’s Million Kids Challenge.

Beckham, who has been working with 2012 Paralympic Games sponsor Sainsbury’s to encourage children to lead active and healthy lifestyles, dropped in on the three- to 11-year-olds at Vaughan Primary School, West Harrow, in north west London.

The LA Galaxy star and former England captain said he had been inspired to meet the youngsters, who made Paralympic sport part of their curriculum and joined forces with Aspire, the spinal injury charity.

Describing it as a “real privilege”, Beckham said: “This has just been one of the most exciting things. There have been kids in this school and two million kids around the country trying out Paralympic sport. It is so amazing.”

The children’s ecstatic reaction to Beckham’s appearance was “so cute”, he said. Staff had been sworn to secrecy.

His visit came as the ceremonial costumes which will be worn by escorts to the 805 medal presentations at the London Olympics were unveiled.