PLAYERS from Tranmere Rovers first team visited Lyndale School in Eastham to support calls to keep it open.

Max Power, Danny Holmes, Ash Taylor and Ryan Lowe were invited to meet the children by headteacher Pat Stewart.

The four played games with the children, signed autographs and had a look around the facilities.

Ryan said: "It was an emotional visit. It was a pleasure to meet the children and the work the staff do there is amazing."

Max said: "I had a great afternoon. The kids were lovely and they’re looked after and taught by some fantastic people.

"I’ve got a little boy myself so it was touching to see the work being done with the children in the school."

Thanking Rovers for their support, Mrs Stewart told the Globe: "The club approached us to see if the children would like to meet some of the team players and we were delighted to invite them.

"We were grateful for their support, particularly in the school’s current climate.

"The children, in their own way, reacted beautifully to them, with lots of smiles and they had a very happy afternoon."

Wirral Council’s decision to consult on closing Lyndale has sparked a public outcry.

More than 6,400 people have signed an online petition to save the school.

The authority says a drop in pupil numbers and a change in funding systems mean Lyndale is facing a “budget shortfall.”

But parents believe it should be saved no matter what, due to its importance in the lives of its 24 pupils.