England footballer Kelly Smith treated pupils in Rickmansworth to a professional after-school training session on Friday.

More than 20 girls from St Joan of Arc School took part before a question and answer session with the international star.

Kelly, who grew up in Garston, currently plays for the Boston Breakers in the US and is considered by many as the best female player in the world.

She said: "I was the only girl playing football when I was at school, so to see so many girls here is great.

"I was always told that girls couldn't play football but I just got on with it and here I am now.

Kelly was invited to take the lesson by a friend who is involved in the PE department at the school.

She added: "It went really well, there was a lot of enthusiasm among the girls.”

The St Joan of Arc pupils play in a league against other schools in the district and relished the chance to be trained by an international star.

Tasha Pearce, 16, said: "It was so good to meet Kelly, she is amazing and was really nice to all of us.

"She spoke to everyone during the training session and meeting her just shows you that you can make it if you really work hard."

Evie McMillan, 14, said it was a highly motivating experience as she queued up with the rest of her friends to get Kelly's autograph.