SOUTHAMPTON striker Marian Pahars made the official launch of the Urbis Lighting/Gazette Challenge Cup a particularly memorable one by signing autographs and answering questions from fans.

Saints supporters of various ages were at Brighton Hill Community College on Monday afternoon to meet one of their football heroes.

The Latvian was in Basingstoke to represent his club and, along with representatives from the town's business commmunity, support a football tournament that aims to deliver a cash boost to borough schools bidding for specialist school status.

Thirty-two businesses in the borough have been invited to participate in the inuagural Challenge Cup on Sunday, May 11, at Brighton Hill Community College.

The proceeds will be used to help finance specialist status bids by local schools.

Nearly 10 business have already pledged their support for the competition, which has been organised by the council, The Gazette, Urbis Lighting in Basingstoke and Brighton Hill Community College.

Speaking at the launch, Robert Jolley, business development officer at Basingstoke council and one of the organisers of the tournament, said: "The amount of people here today in support tells me the tournament is going to be a success, and we already have nine of the available 32 team slots filled.

"We are hoping to raise £10,000 through the event for the Basingstoke and Deane Educational Foundation."

Any Businesses interested in taking part in the tournament should contact Rosanna Harper on 01256 845525 for an entry form.