By Deborah McAleese
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk

26 November 2005

PHOTOGRAPHS and paintings of George Best adorn the walls of his old school in east Belfast.

An article that he wrote for the school magazine in 1961 about his life with Manchester United is on display close to a photograph of him as a school prefect.

In the article he talks about his life with the football club and writes: "It's a great life and I wouldn't give it up for anything."

Teachers and pupils at Lisnasharragh High School talk with pride of how one of football's greatest stars was once a student and a prefect at their school. George initially studied at Grosvenor Grammar School after leaving Cregagh Primary School, which is just yards from his childhood home at Burren Way.

However, he transferred to Lisnasharragh in 1957- because Grosvenor taught rugby instead of soccer - where he stayed until 1961 when he left to join Manchester United.

Although George never returned to visit the school he often kept in touch, signing photographs and portraits drawn by the students.

Sport was always George's passion, but his old school reports show that he was also a very bright student.

School principal Mrs Lyn Thompson, whose cousin Ronnie Briggs was an apprentice at Man United with George, said his school reports indicate that he never caused any trouble.

"His school reports indicate he never caused problems and was quite quiet. He never got into fights and seemed to have been a well adjusted child. Obviously sport was his passion rather than books.

"All the teachers who taught him have since left but one anecdotal story that has been told is of how the PE teacher spotted George's great skills with the ball in the school yard one break time. The students were not allowed to play with a football that day as a window had been broken so George got a tennis ball to kick around. The PE teacher was looking out of the window and was struck by his great skill.

"Every day after school George would go down to Cregagh football pitches to play."

Mrs Thompson added that all of the school children are very proud to say they go to the same school as George Best.

She said: "The students think it is great. Many of them who live in the Cregagh estate have met him. He would often kick the ball about with them. Any of the pupils who had contact with him say he was a great man. He is more than football to them."

The school is planning a special tribute service to celebrate the life of George Best and it is hoped that some of his former school colleagues will be able to attend.

Many former school friends have paid tribute to the football star on the school's website.

Eddie Heron wrote: "To be able to say that you played football with George Best! Didn't know he was going to be such a star, but enjoyed the football. Thanks George and Mr Davies the PE teacher!"

Maureen McBurnie wrote: "I spent the last three months of my education at Lisnasharragh High School and didn't realise I was looking at a star in the making. George was also a very nice person."