FORMER St Gregory’s High pupil and Everton footballer Matthew Pennington went back to school to help students break ground at the site of the new sports hall.

Work is set to begin on the project, which also includes a block of science, technology, engineering and maths classrooms and labs.

Year 10 construction pupils popped on their high-vis jackets and hard hats to get involved in planning and design for the building.

Head teacher Ed McGlinchey said the facilities will help give youngsters the equipment and opportunities they need to develop their skills.