AMBITIOUS youngsters were given tips on how to reach their goals.

Claypool Primary School held an Aspirations Week during which successful people from across the borough were invited in to speak about how they had achieved their dreams.

Pupils were introduced to everyone from firefighters, police, estate agents, florists, journalists and other people who had succeeded in their careers.

Among them was Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Mark Howard, who led an assembly to inspire the whole school.

The footballer said: “It’s been so nice to see the kids in their normal environment at school and the excitement they get from us coming up here is amazing to see.

“You can just tell how much it means to them for us to turn out, so it really is rewarding to give something back to the local community.

“I was around their age when I became interested in football, so hopefully I’ll have been able to inspire a couple of them given that I’m proof that you can succeed with a lot of hard work.

“Ultimately though, it’s so important that we get out there into the local area. All of the lads enjoy getting involved and a lot of them come out to watch us on a Saturday, so the very least we can do is visit them too.”

Teacher Alison Bell, who co-ordinated the week, said: “It has been really inspirational for our pupils. We have had people give up their time and come into speak to the children.

“It makes what they are doing in school relevant.

“It is about encouraging pupils to work hard, be creative, not give up and to follow their dreams – and also have a back-up plan.” Young people said they hard learned many tips to help them achieve their dreams and found out about the careers available to them.

Erin Hughes, aged 10, said:”It is about going for something you like and working hard.”