FOOTBALL legend Tony Fitzpatrick proved he is a good sport by joining children in Barrhead to share his joy of books.

St Mirren’s chief executive met youngsters at the Barrhead Foundry and kept them enthralled with some heart-warming stories.

The event was planned to highlight the 4-4-2 reading challenge, in which children who read four books receive discounted football tickets for St Mirren matches.

Barrhead News: Pupils were thrilled to read Tony’s storiesPupils were thrilled to read Tony’s stories

Tony, who champions the benefits that children can gain from reading, wrote a book inspired by the death of his son from leukaemia at the age of six.

‘Babakoochi Bear in Freedom Forest & Mountains’ was penned to help children who may have lost someone close, such as a sibling, a parent or a grandparent.

Barrhead News: Those who went along to the fun event at The Foundry were encouraged to ask questionsThose who went along to the fun event at The Foundry were encouraged to ask questions

Tony said: “I hope it helps to comfort youngsters who might be in a difficult place.”

As well as reading to the kids, Tony enjoyed an indoor kickabout with staff from East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure’s football development team.