A Teddington couple visited Ghana to celebrate the birthday of a little girl they sponsor.

Gill and Alan Perrett started sponsoring Florence in 2006 through children’s charity Plan UK and decided to celebrate her 10th birthday with her.

Mrs Perrett, 63, said: “I felt it was an important age in a growing girl's life. So I wanted her to be aware that we care enough to make the journey to visit her and wish her well in her future endeavours and journey into adulthood.”

When the couple arrived they were greeted by the village elders and Florence’s classmates who put on Arsenal and Chelsea football strips for a lively game.

Mrs Perrett said: “There were excited children everywhere - smiling, waving and mimicking Alan's salute.

“Then the main surprise event – a football match between two all-girl teams in Arsenal and Chelsea strips. There was great fun and excitement as Florence’s team finally won on penalties.”

Money donated to Plan benefits whole families and communities, rather than individual children, and sponsors receive updates and photos from their sponsored child and keep in touch by writing letters.