A PUDSEY teacher has been singled out by football star Frank Lampard for kick starting his career in the game.

Mr Lampard, who won 106 caps for England and scored a total of 211 goals for Chelsea, has sung the praises of Fulneck Junior School head teacher, Chris Bouckley.

Writing in a national newspaper, he said it was Mr Bouckley – then teaching at an Essex secondary school - who convinced him to follow his footballing dream, and, thanks to his advice, he was able to fulfil his ambition of playing not only in the top flight, but for his country too.

Mr Lampard said: “He helped me through a difficult time when I was deciding whether or not to leave school after my GCSEs and take up a football career,” adding: “What made him the best teacher was the personal touch, the encouragement along the way.

“When I talk about my teachers I struggle to remember too many names, but because of Mr Bouckley’s personal involvement over a period of time, he sticks with me.

“As I’ve grown older, I’ve realised Mr Bouckley is also a very nice bloke: he’s followed my career, and when I lost my mother he wrote a very compassionate letter. I never forget things like that.”

Mr Bouckley (pictured) said: “This article came as a total surprise to me, but I’m absolutely thrilled by it.

"One of the most important roles of a teacher is to inspire their pupils to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.

“With Frank it was easy. His talent on the football pitch shone from a very early age and it was obvious that, with a few words of encouragement, he would make a superb career out of the sport."