SPORTING heroes including Champions League-winning footballer Andriy Shevchenko inspired pupils at an Oxford private school.

The former Chelsea and AC Milan superstar gave Summer Fields youngsters a motivational talk as the school launched its new sports scholarship.

Pakistani cricketer Azhar Ali, who scored a half century as his country beat England at Lords earlier this month, gave pupils a batting masterclass in the nets and signed plenty of bats.

Wasps rugby player Nick De Luca also put the school's youngsters through their paces as the trio visited the school in Summertown on Friday.

Director of studies, David Woolley, said: "We were delighted to welcome Azhar Ali, Nick De Luca and Andriy Shevchenko to Summer Fields to mark the launch of our sports scholarship.

"The passion they possess for their sport and - most impressively their humility and desire for others to succeed were a powerful inspiration to our pupils, and we are very grateful for their support."

Trials will be held at the school, with sporty youngsters also needing to meet to the minimum academic standards for entry.

Scholars would be put on a personal development programme, which includes conditioning, coaching and game analysis throughout their time at the school.