A WESTHOUGHTON school took centre-stage at the 'Theatre of Dreams' on Saturday when they made an appearance at one of the year's biggest sporting events.

Fourgates County Primary School Rugby League team took to the Old Trafford pitch to play a curtain-raiser to the Rugby League World Cup clash between New Zealand and Australia.

And despite losing by a single try, the team had a day to remember.

Headteacher Dave Clegg said: "The children thought it was a wonderful experience.

"It was a real honour to be part of such a world event and we just wanted to do ourselves proud."

After the game, team members were presented with commemorative World Cup rugby balls by members of the New Zealand Rugby League squad and later received souvenir T-shirts before settling down to watch the main event.