STAFF from Blackburn Rovers swapped their training ground for a classroom to show young boys that books can be just as cool as football!

And the scheme at Meadowhead Junior School in Blackburn turned out to be right on target for pupils -- especially when Football in the Community worker Mick Brennan turned up to listen to them read.

The male literacy drive kicked off in October when the teachers appealed for dads and grandads to come into the Anglesey Street school and listen to year four boys read.

But so far there has been only one volunteer.

Headteacher Frances Stephenson explained: "Boys are falling behind in reading so we are trying to get more male role models on board to raise the profile of reading.

"A lot of people have work commitments and can't get here during the day so we thought if we could get a few Rovers apprentice footballers along in their tracksuits it might encourage the youngsters."

For the next five weeks, two Football in the Community workers from Blackburn Rovers will sit in on reading times in the classroom.

Any dads and grandads who would like to get involved in the scheme can contact the school on 01254 209871.