RUGBY League legends turned out in force to help educate a group of schoolchildren.

Year six students from Lindley Junior School got their chance to try out journalism as they interviewed former professional players and officials at Huddersfield University.

The veterans included ex-Giants star Robbie Paul and former players Alan Smith, John Atkinson, Derek Hallas, Ken Rollin, John Henderson, Ken Senior, Harry Jepson and Ikram Butt and former referee Billy Thompson.

The group of 20 pupils were also given a chance to view rugby league archives and artefacts stored at Huddersfield University and the Rugby League Heritage Centre at the George Hotel and their interviews will now be added to the university’s official RFL archive.

The day of learning was funded by the Museum’s, Libraries and Archives Council is a bid to encourage youngsters to develop an interest in sport and learn about the importance of records and memories.

Robbie Paul said there was no better sport for the youngsters to learn about.

The former Giants scrum-half said: “Can you think of another sport that represents the North of England better?

“If you think of the historical background and the socio-economic group that play and support the clubs, can you think of a more apt sport for them to learn about?”

Former Leeds winger, Ikram Butt, the game’s first professional Muslim player, said: “I’m a big believer in this type of event and I enjoy coming and meeting some of my heroes.

“It’s important that we continue stressing the heritage of our game and how it contributes to people’s lives and how it can inspire children and young people like we have today.”

Lindley pupil, Georgia Lane, said the day had been great.

The 11-year-old added: “Interviewing everybody has been fantastic. They all think that children should play sports no matter how old you are or what background you come from.

“It’s made me a lot more interested than I was.”

Teacher, Mark Breen, said: “They’ve had a fantastic time, they’ve learned lots about interview technique and the importance of passing history on.”

Organiser, Janette Martin, said: “It’s to do with the 2012 Olympics and inspiring young people.

“It’s important for them to know how significant rugby league has been to Huddersfield itself.”

The children also heard a talk by Simon Foster about the notoriously tough 1946 Great Britain tour of Australia, on which his father, Trevor was one of the stars.

The year six pupils are now set to do a report on their findings and will present it to an assembly at school.