Pupils from Hawthorns Junior School, Blackburn, scored a real winner with a visit to the Blackburn Rovers training ground as a reward for their learning achievements.

The excited youngsters were invited to meet Rovers' and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson after being awarded the Hawthorns 'Golden Ticket' as the first prize in a series of competitions set as part of World Book Day to raise awareness of the importance of reading. The group, who are all extremely keen readers, quizzed Robbo about his life on and off the pitch, before collecting photos and signed merchandise.

Literacy co-ordinator Shagufta Shah said, "It was brilliant to meet such friendly and welcoming players and staff, who each ensured that it remained a memorable experience for all of the children and teachers who were lucky enough to attend!"

Blackburn Rovers Community Trust organised the visit as part of the club's commitment to the Premier League Reading Stars scheme, which harnesses the motivational power of football to inspire children and adults to read.

Programme Tutor Catherine Jermyn said: "Hawthorns engage on a number of programmes with us here at the Trust and so a question and answer session with our very own Reading Star seemed like the perfect way to reward the chosen children for showing an excellent attitude in class."