Soccer hero makes it an evening to remember for young authors

Young bookworms at Wilmslow Library were left open-mouthed when the climax to a story writing competition turned into a tale of the very unexpected.

As the children sat patiently, waiting for the announcement of the winner, the tension suddenly turned to a moment of uncontrollable excitement as England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney appeared from behind the shelves of books to announce the winner and runners-up.

Seventy children, aged eight to 11, took part in the competition run by Wilmslow, Handforth and Alderley Edge libraries in conjunction with Wilmslow Football Academy (WFA). They were unaware that the soccer hero was to turn up in person to reveal the winning entry, before spending more than 30 minutes chatting with the children and being photographed with them.

Librarian Marg Charlesworth said: "Having Wayne take time out to attend this evening is far more than we could have wished for.

"The children have been absolutely thrilled to see him here. He has shown a great interest in their hard work."

Ajmain Alam, nine, from Gorsey Bank Primary School, produced the 800-word winning story called 'John's Magic Gloves'.

His father John said: "He loves football and plays in goal for the under-nine's team at school and with the Wilmslow Academy. He is a bit overwhelmed by it all.

"Meeting Wayne Rooney has been the highlight of his year. We are very proud of him."

Ajmain's story has been turned into a bound book with illustrations, copies of which went on sale last night, autographed by the soccer star and with proceeds going to the ambulance service charity CardiacSmart, to raise funds for a defibrillator.

Erik Garner, from Wilmslow Football Academy, set up the competition in which young writers had to pen a simple story with a football theme.

He said: "I spoke to Wayne about this and he didn't hesitate to offer his support and agreed to come along to hand out the prizes. "The stories have been fantastic and the children have shown great imagination."

Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities and health, said: "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Wayne for showing his personal support for this project and for making this evening's event so special.

"To have one of the world's most famous footballers support our library and the work that we do with children in terms of literature, reading and writing, is simply fantastic and I am grateful to Eric Garner for his hard work in arranging this."

Photo: Ajmain Alam signing a copy of his book for Wayne Rooney. Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities and health Cllr Paul Bates with England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney and story writing winner Ajmain Alam (9) at Wilmslow Library.