ENGLAND captain David Beckham delighted fans when he turned up in Greenwich.

The Real Madrid star attended the opening of the David Beckham Academy near the Millennium Dome.

The academy will provide football training for boys and girls of all abilities aged between eight and 15.

Taking 15,000 children in its first year, it will include a free schools education programme, a paid-for football camp and an after-school club.

The academy will comprise of two full-sized pitches, classrooms, a dining hall, training facilities and changing rooms.

It is part of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the Millennium Dome site on the Greenwich Peninsula.

The 30-year-old said: "This is a special day for me. It's the proudest moment of my life.

"I have for many years had an ambition to give children the same opportunity as I had through football coaching.

"I want an environment where children can learn but more importantly have fun. This has surpassed my highest expectations."