PUBLISHED author Stephen James Speak returned to his old school to add to the library's collection.

The 43-year-old originally from Blackrod and now living in America returned to Rivington and Blackrod High School to donate a book he wrote about his adventures as young boy in Bolton's beauty spots.

Mr Speak, aged 43, who teaches in Boise, Idaho, said: "Returning to Rivington and Blackrod makes me feel proud and it brings back so many memories.

"I never thought I'd be donating a book. I wasn't the best student but I loved sports and was fortunate to have some very inspiring teachers that turned my prospects in the right direction."

The writer and teacher's first book 'Catch — Ten Fisherman's Tales' was published two years ago and he has now started writing his first novel 'Around the World on 80m Mill'.

The former professional cricketer and coach who after school travelled to Australia, added: "I started writing when I ran out of bed time reading material for my son, so I told him one of my fishing stories from my childhood.

"He loved it and asked for it over and over again so I started writing others down.

"I owe a lot to my son for inadvertently encouraging me to write."

And during his visit to Bolton to visit friends and family — the first visit to the town for his son 13-year-old Nefyn — he organised a cricket match with his friends in Blackrod.

He said: "It is good being back. The schools seems smaller now — and I'm waiting for the heatwave that we are supposed to be having.

"I'm proud to have published three books, and I actively encourage young people to pursue this unique profession that is limitless in terms of creativity and freedom."

Tony Purcell, headteacher, said:“We were delighted that Stephen took the time to visit us on his trip to the UK.

"It was great to hear about his achievements and to receive a copy of his book.

"It is always good to welcome back former students as their stories often provide such inspiration to students within our school now.

"Everybody has really enjoyed the visit and we hope that Stephen will come back to visit us again.”