The new England Test Match captain Joe Root returned to his old school, Dore Primary near Sheffield on Tuesday 25th April. The surprise visit was to officially launch Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week 2017 which takes place June 19 and 23 June with national cricket charity Chance to Shine.

Root, 27, surprised the current pupils at the cricket-mad school; first joining an MCC Spirit of Cricket assembly looking at the values and the integrity of the sport before talking the pupils through his own time at Dore Primary.

Four lucky students then got the chance to put their own questions to the new England skipper. Root, who still lives in the village of Dore, talked about how he got into the game as well discussing his hopes for a busy and exciting summer of cricket. Joe was also presented with the 'Most Inspirational Cricketer' award as voted for by Chance to Shine participants.

The Year 6 pupils then received a special coaching session led by Chance to Shine coaches Johnny Younis and Gareth Davis and got the chance to face Joe with bat and ball.

Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week is a celebration of the sport and this year takes place from Monday 19 Friday 23 June. Over 1,600 schools take part every year and turn their timetable over to cricket.

Chance to Shine are encouraging schools to get into cricket both on the playing field and in the classroom. Schools can get involved in National Cricket Week by signing up to take part by going to

Speaking at the event, Joe said I've had an amazing day with Yorkshire Tea and Chance to Shine. Coming back to my old school has brought back so many memories of what a brilliant time I had here.

Cricket has played such an enormous part in my life and I'm so proud to be back here inspiring the next generation of cricketers.

The school's PE co-ordinator Richard France said: "It's been a brilliant experience for the children and for every kid to get to meet the England Captain is just fantastic. They found out what school life was like for Joe and hopefully can be inspired by him to achieve great things as well.

We've had the Chance to Shine link since 2008 and it does great work; it really is inspiring children to play cricket. A huge thanks to both Yorkshire Tea and Chance to Shine for organising an unforgettable day for our pupils.

This summer, donations are being matched £ for £ by Chance to Shine Patron Adrian Beecroft. Go to now to help spread the power of cricket.