Young footballers from Otterton Primary School have been given lessons in fair play from a World Cup final linesman.

Mike Mullarkey was part of the team of English officials who refereed last year’s final in South Africa between Spain and the Netherlands.

He also ran the line in last year’s UEFA Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, and has been one of the top Premier League officials for several years.

Mike, who lives in Exeter, visited the school to present its under-11 football squad with their trophy for being the top small school team in the East Devon League.

He also showed the children his World Cup medal and the medal presented to him for officiating in the 2010 World Cup Final, as well as the actual ball used in the match between Brazil and Chile.

Retiring head teacher Pat Fowler said: “The children were absolutely thrilled with the visit, and I’d like to thank Di Lee (pictured top left) for arranging this and for the great encouragement and support she has given the children over the years.”