Pupils from our Breakfast Clubs scheme were guests of honour at the Cobham training ground recently, as Petr Cech handed out prizes at the annual award ceremony.

Over 220 children from 10 schools in the more socially deprived areas of Hammersmith and Fulham are given a nutritious breakfast each morning, based on the first team players' diet.

The children, who for social or financial reasons may not otherwise be able to have a healthy start to the morning, are now benefiting from the scheme, run in conjunction with Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

Schools say punctuality, attendance and behaviour of pupils improves once they start attending the clubs on a regular basis and they are ready to learn and settled into the school day having had something nourishing to eat and drink. Each of the 20 winners had over 90% attendance record at the clubs.

The scheme's popularity means it doubled from five to 10 schools this year.

To reward their achievement, the best-attending 20 pupils were given the opportunity to visit the Chelsea training ground where they had a coaching session with women's World Cup winner Lorrie Fair. They were then joined by Petr Cech who presented the pupils with medals and certificates and sat with them for an impromptu question and answer session.

The 'keeper was delighted to add his support. He said: 'It's really important that kids get a good start in the morning, it helps them at school as well as making them healthier.

'Whether you are a professional footballer or a pupil at school, breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it helps you concentrate and gets your body and mind ready for the day ahead.

'Seeing the children here you appreciate how much it means to them and what an important part the club can play in helping them through some of their most important years.'

Lynne Tucker, of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, added: 'The clubs have proved really successful and have helped to improve the children's reading, communication, social interaction and behaviour.

'A good breakfast has helped them to start their day in a more positive way and makes the pupils much more responsive. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed their special day out and it was a huge boost to them to meet and get their awards from Petr who was really supportive about what we are doing. It gives them a huge boost to meet the players and is a great reward for all their hard work and efforts throughout the year.'