Having laid down a marker for literacy, numeracy and ICT improvement among youngsters in the city, Milton Keynes Dons Playing for Success Centre hosted its official opening event on Thursday night.

Centre manager Angie Warde, Dons Chairman Pete Winkelman and a number of Dons players were joined by guests from Milton Keynes Council, the Department for Children, Schools and Families and Playing for Success National to 'cut the ribbon' at the state-of-the-art learning facility.

Rex Hall MBE from Rex Hall Associates was the guest of honour on the night and unveiled the centre's plaque with Angie and Pete after a short speech to the evening's guests.

Pete Winkelman shares a joke with Jemal Johnson at the PFS Centre opening event.

But the real VIPs on the night were children from Langland School, who are among the 12 schools in Milton Keynes that have benefited from the PFS centre's teachings in its opening year.

The kids arrived at stadiummk in a chauffeur-driven limousine and were joined at the centre by Dons stars Mark Wright, Jemal Johnson, Peter Leven, Luke Howell, Sam Baldock and Drissa Diallo.

Mark Wright signs an autograph for a young fan at the PFS opening.

After reciting some impressive poetry for their guests, the climax to the evening was a red balloon release by all the youngsters involved down by the stadiummk pitch.

Playing for Success will be continuing to work with schools in Milton Keynes with a view to improving standards in literacy, numeracy and ICT using the inspirational medium of football.

Dons Chairman Pete Winkelman, Angie Warde and Rex Hall unveil the PFS Centre plaque.