Education: Sir Pele lends his support

Pele, the legendary former Brazilian footballer, with Tony Banks, the sports minister, at Stamford Bridge in south-west London yesterday to learn about the football-related scheme to encourage children to do their homework.

Pele, who is now his country's sports minister, is visiting Britain with the Brazilian president, Fernando Cardoso. The Duke of Kent accompanied the pair to the ground, the home of Chelsea FC.

Earlier, Pele, who has three World Cup winners medals, picked up two new medals when he received an honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire from the Queen. After the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Pele said: "It's a big responsibility. I thank the British people for their trust in me."