PUPILS from Stretford High School will take a starring role in Manchester United’s official Christmas card this year.

With the festive period fast approaching, Manchester United wanted to find an exciting way to reach out to its fans to wish them a Merry Christmas.

Together with 250 children from partner schools of Manchester United Foundation - including Stretford High - staff from across the club got together to construct a human Christmas tree in the seating area of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.

The pupils were invited to be involved through Manchester United Foundation’s Hub of the Community scheme, which bases full-time community development officers in schools across Greater Manchester.

Chris Hurst, teacher at Stretford High School, said: "It was a fantastic experience to be part of the official Manchester United Christmas card photo shoot.

“I’m sure the final image will look unbelievable because, from where we were standing, the sight of hundreds of people in a Christmas tree formation was pretty impressive.”

Manchester United chief operating officer Michael Bolingbroke, who addressed the crowd at the event, said, “This was an ambitious project and we're delighted with the result. On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank the school children who took part – it was fantastic to have them involved.”