CLARETS boss Owen Coyle and some of his star players visited schoolchildren to tell them about the importance of reading.

The Burnley FC manager took four players to St Leonard’s CE Primary School to meet pupils.

It was part of the school’s participation in National Book Week, which aims to promote reading amongst children.

Skipper Steven Caldwell, Robbie Blake, Michael Duff and Stephen Jordan, told the children about their favourite books.

According to headteacher Julie Bradley, the event was a big hit with the children, who are all big Clarets fans. She said: “They came into assembly and talked about reading Roald Dahl books as children and more autobiographies now.

“It was especially good for the boys who were able to see how cool it is to read. If professional footballers do it, then it’s good enough for them.”

A Burnley FC spokesman said the club was very committed to the local community and wanted to provide positive role models.