IT was a welcome return to Thetford for former Ipswich Town player Simon Milton as he stepped back in time to revisit his old school, Charles Burrell, or Staniforth as it was known during the time that he attended.

IT was a welcome return to Thetford for former Ipswich Town player Simon Milton as he stepped back in time to revisit his old school, Charles Burrell, or Staniforth as it was known during the time that he attended.

Simon came bearing gifts as he donated the Thomas Paine Sixth Form Centre's Football Academy with a complete ITFC kit that would previously have been worn by last season's Academy players.

It wasn't just Charles Burrell that was to receive a gift however, as Simon also dropped by Rosemary Musker High School to provide their older age groups with a set of ITFC shirts. Simon also took the time out to show the boys at Musker that he could still conjure up a few ball skills.

The donations were both a personal thank you from a boy, turned player, who benefited from the Thetford school system attending both Raleigh and Charles Burrell during his time in the town and also an opportunity to extend the extensive relationship that the Ipswich Town Community Trust have with the towns schools.

Robert Ogden, assistant headteacher at Charles Burrell was on hand to take receipt of the kit and to show his former pupil around the building which had seen several changes since the late 70s/early 80s when he was a student at the school.

“Building links with professional football clubs such as Ipswich Town and taking part in the innovative educational and sporting activities that they deliver is an increasingly important part of modern school life and we welcome the partnership with them,” said Mr Ogden.

Mr Milton added: “Memories have come flooding back today as I walk the corridors of my old school and recognise elements of it that haven't changed over time. It is a pleasure to help out the schools in Thetford and hope that the good work between the Community Trust and the schools continues.”

The Ipswich Town Community Trust are continuing to take names for the forthcoming Trials for the new Player Development Centre in the town. Those trials take place on Friday at the Breckland Leisure Centre and any interested boys aged between six and 14 should call 01473 400749 to book their place at that trial.

Bookings are also being taken for two separate ITFC holiday courses taking place at the Thetford Rugby Club for boys and girls aged between five and 12 years on July 30 and 31 and August 20 and 21, with early bird discounts available until July 10.