Stubbington pupils learn about heroes with visit from Linvoy Primus

But one school held a special week to show its pupils that local heroes can be just as important.

Youngsters at Crofton Hammond Infants in Stubbington heard from lollipop crossing workers, Cub and Scout leaders, sports coaches and charity fundraisers, all of whom had been nominated for their work.

The school held its Heroes’ Week to teach the children the difference between heroism and celebrities.

One of those who went along was former Pompey player Linvoy Primus.

He told pupils about his career and his work setting up charity Faith and Football.

During his visit, Linvoy told the students in an assembly about his nine-year career at Pompey, where he made nearly 200 appearances.

He told them about carrying the Olympic torch ahead of the 2012 London games and going to Windsor Castle last year to receive his MBE from Prince William. And the pupils heard about his charity Faith and Football, which works in the Portsmouth area.

Year 2 pupil Josh Butler was excited to meet Linvoy. He said: ‘It was great to meet a professional footballer who had actually played for Pompey.’

Darcy Amis, also in Year 2, added: ‘He let us hold the Olympic torch and I never ever thought I’d get to hold that.’

As well as a visit from Linvoy, the pupils were joined at the assembly by people from the community they had nominated as local heroes. And to mark the end of the week, the children came to school dressed as their own heroes.

Grace Hampson dressed as a suffragette. The Year 2 pupil said: ‘I found out that some girls were not able to vote and I thought that was mean because I wouldn’t be able vote now.

‘The suffragettes were really brave.’

Fellow pupil Ollie Jenner added: ‘I dressed up as Jamie Oliver because he makes sure children get healthy food to eat.’

For James Wallace it was Wimbledon champion Andy Murray who was his hero. He said: ‘He practices really hard at tennis and he makes me want to play too.

‘He does lots of good things to help people too.’

The day raised money for The Inspiration Federation, which supports heroes who have been injured during their service to the public, both in the armed forces and the emergency services.

Headteacher Jacky Halton said: ‘Heroes’ Week is a very important week for the children at our school.

‘They learn about inspirational people from the past and the present, which we hope will inspire them to go on and become valued citizens in their own community.

‘We also want to teach the children about the differences between celebrity and heroism and how they need to work hard to achieve their dreams.’