A FOOTBALL legend dropped by Ross High School in Tranent for a question and answer session with students.

Pat Stanton, a Scottish former football player and manager, spent most of his professional career with Hibernian FC.

He made a special visit to speak with pupils at the school on December 2.

Stanton is the great-great nephew of Michael Whelahan – a founder of Hibernian and its first captain – and the great-nephew of Hibs centre forward James Hendren.

In recent weeks, pupils at the school also enjoyed a visit from Hibernian Ladies captain Joelle Murray.

The visits allowed Hibs Class+ participants to ask questions about a range of aspects associated with the club, resulting in interesting stories and information being shared with the groups.

In late April 2020, the Hibernian Community Foundation undertook a survey of young people who had been engaging with their programmes before the Covid-19 pandemic to identify and establish how these young people felt lockdown and isolating had impacted on them and their general health and wellbeing.

The survey highlighted that young people had real concerns centred around worsening mental wellbeing, increased loneliness and isolation.

Using this data as a baseline and impetus, the club designed Hibs Class+, an innovative programme providing an alternative curriculum to S2 and S3 pupils at Ross High School aimed at improving health and wellbeing outcomes.

Elaine McKay, social studies teacher, and Kerry-Anne Dougan, music teacher and lifelong Hibs fan, are responsible for delivering the Hibs Class+ and Hibs Masterclass at the school.

On Thursdays, Sue McLernon and Andrew Cheshire from the Hibernian Community Foundation attend the school to help deliver the programmes.