YOUNGSTERS rubbed shoulders with top basketball stars while being put through their paces in a special training session.

Students from Langham Oaks School, which caters for boys with extra social, emotional and mental health needs, attended the O2 arena in London to see NBA teams the Denver Nuggets take on the Indian Pacers.

Amongst other members of the star studded crowd were Premier League superstars Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, and Dele Alli along with football legends Thierry Henry and Michael Ballack.

Ahead of the fixture, the boys had a special training sessions with Nuggets players and were then invited back onto the centre of the court where they received a standing ovations from the 20,000 crowd.

Teacher Peter Fairclough said: "To train with and then watch the Denver Nuggets play against the Indiana Pacers was so motivational for our school.

"The boys displayed excellent behaviour and team work throughout the event and since arriving back to school have showed excellent focus in their studies.

"A big thank you to everyone at the NBA, Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers who made this once in a lifetime event possible."