Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge headed down to Florence Melly Primary School on Friday to hand over tickets to local pupils for an upcoming Reds fixture.

After taking part in a mini-assembly and a Q&A session with years four, five and six, the No.15 presented the children with tickets to next month’s Premier League home clash with Crystal Palace at Anfield. 

The tickets were donated to the school as part of the club’s Red Neighbours programme, which sees 55 tickets provided to local schools in Anfield for each home game throughout the 2016-17 season. 

A total of 25 schools in the L4, L5 and L6 postcodes – 21 primary and four high schools – will benefit from the scheme this season as part of a focus to create memorable experiences for young people. 

Sturridge said: “It’s great to come down to the school, meet the local fans and give them the opportunity to come and watch the team play at Anfield. 

“Rewarding the kids with tickets is a brilliant way to encourage good behaviour and attendance, and it means that children who wouldn’t normally get the chance to see us play can have that experience.”

The Red Neighbours programme supports local residents and schools in the Anfield community, focusing on four key areas: food poverty and education; support for the elderly community; encouraging a physically active community; and creating memorable experiences for young people.