Andrew Smith, Labour candidate in Oxford East, stepped out on the election trail by meeting students at a local soccer school.

The Cabinet minister met youngsters on Friday at the Bobby Charlton Soccer School, which was visiting Peers School in Littlemore.

Andrew SmithThe soccer school is touring the country, visiting Education Action Zones, which give kids the opportunity to improve their soccer skills.

The Oxford Education Zone, a joint initiative between the Hamilton Trust, 16 local schools and Oxfordshire LEA, has received £1m a year, and has had major benefits for young people.

Mr Smith said: "More than 4,500 pupils in Oxford East are benefiting from an extra million pounds being spent in their schools in the three academic years, 1999-2002."