A former England and Premier League footballer was in Kent today paying his respects to World War One soldiers.

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur captain Ledley King visted the Royal British Legion Industries in Aylesford to lay a wreath in tribute to 16 Spurs players who died during battle in the Great War.

One of those was 29-year old Walter Tull from Folkestone who, when playing for Tottenham, became one of the first black footballers to play in the Football League's top division.

Speaking at the ceremony today Ledley King described his admiration for Tull, saying: “What he had to endure, what he had to come through and what he was able to achieve becoming the first black Army officer was an unbelievable feat.

"It’s a great story that a lot of young people should be aware of.”

King who made more than 250 appearances for Tottenham during his career was also shown around the RBLI factory and met with the workers, many of whom are ex servicemen and women.

Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company managing director Geoff Streetley said he was delighted to welcome the former Premier League star: “Most people who visit don’t have a real idea of what it is they’re coming to visit and when they see it’s a real working factory with people who are coming to work everyday, who are contributing and overcoming their conditions it’s very humbling.

"I think he was very humbled.

"He’s a very shy guy but he took it all in."