A FOOTBALL star visited his old school to encourage students to ditch the junk and eat more fruit.

West Ham United player Anton Ferdinand visited his former school, Blackheath Bluecoat School, to spread the healthy eating message.

He was visiting the school in Old Dover Road, Blackheath, as part of the British Heart Foundation's Food 4 Thought initiative, which promotes healthy eating among children.

The school offers healthy meals throughout the day and provides after-school sports such as football, basketball and rugby.

The defender told Year 7 pupils on September 21: "It's important to eat healthily in all walks of life, especially in what I do."

Tomi Ajibulu, 11, said: "It was excellent to meet him. It really inspires me that a star came to our school."