Youngsters were inspired to embark on an exploration of creative writing when a professional footballer visited their school.

To celebrate National Poetry Day on October 3, Joe Widdowson visited Fullwood Primary School in Ilford.

Joe, who plays for League Two side Leyton Orient, spoke to the class about the O’s successful National League campaign and what it meant to him as a player and for the team.

The 30-year-old defender brought the National League trophy and his winner’s medal along with him to inspire the class.

Pupils had the chance to ask Joe questions writing their own poems telling the story of the league win; a few students bravely shared their poems with the class.

Joe Widdowson, said: “You can see the excitement of the kids with the trophy and the medal – I think it’s good for them to see a local football player who’s had a little bit of a success story, and hopefully gives them some kind of inspiration and enjoyment.”

Sally Jones, a teacher at Fullwood Primary School, added: “The children and class teacher thoroughly enjoyed it and we loved the writing that it inspired. We’d like to say thank you to Joe for the wonderful responses he gave to the children's questions and for the time, care and attention he gave the whole class.”

You can read some of the poems here.