SAINTS have been occupying the minds of youngsters at one Southampton school.

The first is St George the patron saint of England, the brave Roman soldier who protested against the torture of Christians.

The second is Southampton Football Club battling for survival in the Premiership.

For football mad youngsters at Harefield Infant School it is a time to celebrate St George's Day tomorrow and cross their fingers for a decisive win over south coast rivals Pompey on Sunday.

The reception class children at the 147-pupil school have been learning about the patron saint and hearing the legend of him slaying the evil dragon. Head teacher Shirley Lewis said: "This term the children have been looking at traditional tales including St George and the dragon. They have also been dressing up and creating wall displays."

Mrs Lewis said she hoped the school's collective goodwill for Saints to win would help them stay in the top flight.

"We have had a long tradition with the Saints. A few years ago Anders Svensson came to award us the Activemark and Claus Lundekvam came to give out certificates for our mini-Olympics.

"Red has always been our school colour and I chose the red sweatshirts 15 years ago to be like the Saints."