Year Six pupils from St. Alphonsus RC Primary School were invited to turn on the giant Christmas tree lights outside the Theatre of Dreams, after a winning nomination for their hard work and excellence throughout the year.

The schoolchildren from Trafford, who are taking part in the Premier League’s Primary Stars programme, delivered by the Foundation, were joined by club ambassador Denis Irwin as they lit up Old Trafford ahead of the festive season.

The Manchester United Foundation Youth Choir were also in attendance performing Christmas Carols by the impressive 50 foot tree outside the stadium, to get the guest in the festive spirit.

Ashlie, Hamza, Lyndon and Kameeko from St Alphonsus Primary School were the stars of the show, as they took to the stage to recite a special poem which they had written for the evening with the theme of team work.

Lyndon, deputy head boy at St. Alphonsus, said, “The Manchester United team tries hard in everything they do and they always try hard to encourage each other and show teamwork in lots of ways, so we wanted to put this into a poem.”

Head girl, Ashlie, added, “It’s been really nice and a real honour to be asked to switch on the lights.”

Manchester United Legend Denis Irwin was delighted to be a part of the special event.  “It’s great to kick of Christmas but more importantly it’s great to see the Foundation children here,” he said.  “We’re not all as fortunate in this world but the Foundation does some amazing work so however we can help, throughout the year and especially at Christmas, by encouraging children through football is great.”

Club officials and staff also joined the celebrations, which have become a club tradition throughout recent years, marking the start of the festive season at Old Trafford.