BLACKBURN MP Jack Straw joined a group of pupils on a visit to Ewood Park.

The Justice Minister and pupils from St Mary's and St Joseph's Primary School, Blackburn, explored the facilities of Ewood Park's Education Centre.

With the help of three young pupils Mr Straw was able to create a mousemat featuring Blackburn Rovers players Brad Friedel and Tugay.

Mr Straw also visited the development of Blackburn Rovers' Enterprise Haven which is part of a "No Limits" initiative to provide advice, finance and accommodation to businesses across Pennine Lancashire.

Rovers manager Mark Hughes said: "Sport holds an important and unique place in our community, more so than 90 minutes pitch activity on match days.

"On a daily basis, we are reaching right into the very heart of that community on an individual level."

Graham Burgess, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: "No Limits harnesses the powerful image of sport to engage with our local communities.

"This is sport used for the greater good of society."