DARLINGTON FC manager David Hodgson helped drill home the importance of literacy to local youngsters yesterday.

The Quakers supremo, who is to launch his biography soon, met youngsters from Hurworth Primary School at the Williamson Motors Stadium, home of the football club.

Youngsters quizzed the soccer boss, formerly a player at Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Liverpool, during their visit about his life, his achievements and his inspirations.

The visit was part of a writing and fun day aimed at boosting literacy among boys.

Mr Hodgson has a special interest in writing issues, with his book, Three Times a Quaker about to be published.

His authorised biography is written by local journalists Ray Simpson and Andrew Wilkinson.

No launch date has yet been given, but it will cost £13.99.

The youngsters also took a tour of The Northern Echo offices in Priestgate with headteacher Mark Allison, to get an insight into the world of journalism.