England and Northampton Saints rugby captain Dylan Hartley made a surprise appearance at Finborough School’s annual youth community rugby festival.

East Anglian Daily Times: The under-12 winners with England star Dylan Hartley at the Finborough School rugby festival. Picture: FINBOROUGH SCHOOLThe under-12 winners with England star Dylan Hartley at the Finborough School rugby festival. Picture: FINBOROUGH SCHOOL (Image: Archant)

Arriving in style by helicopter, the England captain watched over 300 boys from across the region take part in a tournament involving 15 clubs and schools.

The Shield was won by Norwich School, with victories over Langley Prep School and Finborough School B team. The Vase competition was won by Southwold Rugby Club with hard-fought wins against Barnadiston School and St Joseph’s College.

The Plate was won by Langley School at Taverham Hall narrowly beating New Hall School and Colchester RGS. The Bowl was hotly contested by St Faith’s School, Royal Hospital School and Perse, with St Faiths running out as eventual winners.

Hartley presented the trophies and medals afterwards. Headteacher Steven Clark said: “It was fantastic to have Dylan with us for the morning and a great surprise to us all when he landed by helicopter.

“He was very approachable and a complete inspiration to these young boys who will never forget the day they met an England captain, a true talisman.”