THE BECKHAM WAY

Now fans are being offered the chance to trace the childhood steps of Britain's most famous footballer by visiting an internet trail detailing the landmarks that moulded the early years of his life.

The on-line odyssey, which begins at the Whipps Cross Hospital maternity wing and even includes his favourite childhood football pitch, has been launched by Waltham Forest Council.

The nine steps along the "Beckham Way" are:

Whipps Cross Hospital: Beckham was born here on 2 May 1975

Peter May Sports Centre: now home to Ridgeway Rovers, where he played for the under-10s, scoring more than 100 goals in three seasons

Walthamstow Stadium: he worked here for £10-a-night as a glass collector on race nights

Ainslie Wood: visited grandparents and played on the council's pitches Chase Lane Junior School: Beckham played for his first school's side and for Waltham Forest District and Essex County teams

Larkswood Park: he practised here for hours as a boy with his father

Mansfield and Ridgeway Park: where Beckham would play as he grew older

Chingford School: Beckham's secondary school. He played for the school side when they won the Bobby Charlton Soccer Tournament

Gilwell Park: where he went camping with the Cub Scouts