Excited children at a school in Wrose welcomed one of Bradford City’s stars to a special assembly yesterday Carl McHugh, who played in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley for the Bantams last season, was there to thank youngsters for raising money for the club’s Community Foundation charity.

The 468 pupils at Low Ash Primary School, on Wrose Road, raised £6,190 by taking part in a Billy Bantam Penalty Shootout.

Half of the money was given to the Foundation, while the rest will be spent on playground equipment for the school.

Judith Gibson, business manager at the school, said: “The children have very much enjoyed it – it creates a buzz.

“It is a brilliant amount of money, and we are very proud. We are also very proud of all the parents for their support through the children.

“It is a great achievement.”

McHugh, a central defender, presented a signed Bradford City football to the three children who raised the most money.

Eight-year-old Dominic Baldwin raised £162, while Ashton Davey, four, and three-year-old Megan Elliott raised almost £100 each.

The penalty shootout saw children try to score as many goals as possible past City mascot Billy Bantam, in exchange for sponsorship money.

Mrs Gibson said: “The emphasis was on enjoying it, not how much they could raise.”

All the children who raised £3 received a Bradford City medal.

Those who raised more than £10 got two tickets for the Bantams’ home game with Oldham Athletic on April 5. Anyone who raised more than £20 got a Bradford City leather football.

Mrs Gibson said the school had raised money for the Foundation for more than ten years, adding that this year’s total was the biggest amount they had raised.

“We collect for them every two years,” said Mrs Gibson. “We have done it for a long time.

“It is something in the community, and you should support your community.

“This year’s total is our best total to date by far.”