SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Hounslow helped kick start England's campaign to host the 2018 World Cup last week.

The youngsters visited the Houses of Parliament to present footballs signed by their school teams to soccer-mad MPs Alan Keen, who chairs the All Party Football Group, and Richard Caborn, the World Cup ambassador.

They enjoyed a kickabout in New Palace Yard on June 10 before going on a guided tour of the commons.

Pupils from 10 primary and secondary schools in Hounslow took part in the stunt, designed to boost the UK's chances of hosting the world's most-watched sporting event.

“I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with the children and I was extremely expressed with all the effort the schools have put in to support the World Cup Bid,” said Mr Keen, MP for Feltham and Heston.

“We must remember how important sport is in school and by involving our youngsters in a campaign like this, I hope it will encourage them to become the sportsmen and women of the future.”