PUPILS at a Chorley school have had a helping hand from sports stars in producing their annual magazine.

More than 30 children from Southlands High, Clover Road, have been working on the fourth edition of the school's Up Close magazine since the summer holidays.

The glossy 26-page publication focuses on unusual stories in sport, and features 14 interviews with sporting greats, including Graeme Souness, manager of Blackburn Rovers, football commentator John Motson, and broadcaster John Inverdale.

But it also includes news of supporters, including Stirling Albion fan Gordon Campbell, who claims to hold the record for the number of matches he has seen his team play - a whopping 3,000!

Other famous names interviewed for the colourful magazine include England lionheart Stuart Pearce, Ireland's legendary pentathlete and Olympic gold medal winner, Mary Peters, and England netball player Tracey Neville, the sister of Manchester United players Gary and Phil.

The magazine was produced by pupils from years seven to 11 who conducted their interviews either face to face, on the telephone and via video conferencing.

Deputy head Brian Souter said: "We think it's the best one yet. The pupils love it. I have always got plenty who want to be involved."

The youngsters are already planning next year's edition which will focus on people from Manchester and their involvement with the Commonwealth Games.

Anyone with contacts on that subject should call the school on 01257 414455. If you would like a free copy of the latest edition, call the school or call into the Citizen office on Pall Mall, Chorley.