IT was a return to an old stamping ground for Saints legend Matt Le Tissier when he officially launched a revamped newsagents and convenience store in Eastleigh.

Matt's mum's best friend from her schooldays, Jan Phillips, is a regular customer of the Dosanjh Convenience Store in Chestnut Avenue and played a leading role in arranging the superstar opening after being approached by owner Sukhi Dosanjh.

Matt said: "Jan lives just round the corner and I used to stay with her many years ago. My mum and Jan went to school together in Guernsey and have been good friends for many years."

So when he was asked to carry out the ceremony, Matt was pleased to oblige.

His visit to Eastleigh brought out scores of young football fans. Proud Sukhi, who has run the store for 12 years, said: "We are very excited by this - he is Le God."

The Daily Echo joined the celebrations by giving goody bags to customers who bought the paper.