ENGLAND soccer legend Jimmy Greaves helped open a school's new sports hall.

The ex-Spurs and Chelsea hero gave a talk on his football career, which included netting 44 times for his country, and answered questions from pupils, staff and guests at Coxlease School, near Lyndhurst.

Jimmy said: "What a marvellous facility this is for these boys.

"It's great to see they are able to have the opportunities to take part in a whole range of sports, but I'm pleased to see football is their favourite."

Coxlease School, a residential special needs school, was celebrating the official opening of its sports hall.

The impressive building took more than two years to complete because of planning and funding-related delays.

The £700,000 facility has so far proved very popular with the Coxlease boys, with football, basketball, hockey and tennis being favourite activities so far.

Coxlease principal Steve Cliffen said: "Previously the pupils had to travel off-site to participate in a full PE and leisure programme, but now we have a wonderful building we are all very proud of - it's what the boys deserve."

Coxlease School was sold for £16m to the The Priory Group earlier this year. It provides specialist education for more than 50 boys with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.