Sussex schoolboys enjoyed a star-studded lesson when Sri Lanka's top cricketers dropped in for a coaching session.

Brighton College under-12s cricket side were thrilled when coaching staff and players like Kumar Sangakkara and Russel Arnold took a 30-minute session in the nets.

It was organised by the grandfather of a Sri Lankan pupil, who knows team manager Chandra Schaffter.

Lionel Sinwardene went to school with Schaffter in Sri Lanka and they have remained in touch ever since.

Sinwardene's 11-year-old grandson, Patrick Vandepant, attends the independent school on Eastern Road in Brighton.

His popularity with his class-mates has swelled following the visit.

He said: "It is fantastic to meet my heroes. I am so grateful to my grandfather for sorting it out. The rest of my friends have enjoyed the visit too.

"We had been looking forward to it all week and it has worked out brilliantly."

The school's head of games Tim Herbert said: "I couldn't believe it when we heard it had been arranged. It was a wonderful opportunity for the boys.

"They have picked up some good tips and can practise them on their three-week tour to South Africa next Easter.

"We got the news confirmed last Monday and they have been excited since. They all went out to play cricket that afternoon."

Sri Lanka's highly-talented wicketkeeper Sangakkara, 24, was delighted to meet the youngsters.

The left-hander said: "It is my first visit to England and I like Sussex, it is great to do things like this.

"Just being with the youngsters is enjoyable, this is the way everyone starts playing the game. I only started when I was 12 but these lads have already been playing four years.

"The earlier you start playing the game the better it is.

"The kids are very enthusiastic and we are happy to sign autographs and answer their questions.

"I am enjoying my time here. If the weather is right it is an excellent place to play on good wickets against top sides."

The light-hearted session was welcome relief for the tourists who lost a three-match Test series to England and have been dogged by controversy since arriving in the country.

Bowling coach Daryl Foster walked out after a row over expenses and Schaffter will be relieved of his position at the end of the tour.

Schaffter denied reports that he had been sacked. "My contract was only for four or five months anyway," he said.

"It was always agreed that at the end of this tour the board and I would review the situation. The board are going to appoint a new manager and I wouldn't have wanted to carry on anyway."

St Christopher's (Hove), with the help of former Sussex coach Norman Gifford, beat Christ's Hospital (Horsham) by 43 runs in their final match.

Jordan Peters hit 40 including five fours, and Chris Whitlock (23) helped Saints chalk up 100. Jono Quantick took four wickets and Whitlock three as Christ's Hospital were dismissed.

St Christopher's have won five and drawn one of their six games.

Littlehampton are four points clear at the top from Findon in the Arun and Chichester League.

Felpham lead the under-12s division one by a staggering 97 points from Chichester. Worthing top the under-12s division two