LIFE'S a 'beach' at our school, at least that's the scene in one corner of our library, decorated to create a relaxed atmosphere for visitors to our recent Book Week.

And it was a particularly appropriate setting for Australian John Filan, Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper, who dropped in to tell us about his interest in reading.

We were amazed to discover that it was through reading a book by Aussie and former Liverpool footballer Craig Johnston that John was inspired to pursue his childhood dream to become a professional footballer.

He then went on to read an excerpt from Clive James' autobiography before taking part in a question and answer session.

Apparently the dangerous game of "billycarting" was one of John's favourites as a child, and even though it resulted in one of his best friends being badly injured, it didn't stop the craze for the game.

John, pictured with Hayley Aldridge and William Cross, is suffering from an injury to his shoulder at the moment. We asked him for his thoughts on this, on other football matters and, of course, on his favourite books.

He then signed autographs for pupils and staff before posing for a photograph as a memento of our great day with him.

Thanks for everything John; all the best from all year 10 pupils at St Augustine's RC High School, Billington.

ADAM LAKELAND and WILL CROSS, Year 10, St Augustine's High School, Billington.