A POPULAR children's author visited a Walthamstow school.

Dan Freedman, author of the Jamie Johnson series of books, visited Walthamstow Academy, in Billet Road, to talk to Year 7 pupils.

The books tell the story of Jamie Johnson, a schoolboy who dreams of being a footballer.

Mr Freedman, who is also a freelance sports journalist, spoke to the children about life as an author and about his own thwarted ambition to be a professional footballer, before signing books.

Emma Skae, Walthamstow Academy acting principal said: “The children were really excited. “He [Mr Freedman] was an unsuccessful as a professional footballer but turned it around into something positive by becoming a sports journalist, he is inspiring to the children.”