CHILDREN'S TV star Victoria Cook was in town to teach youngsters the importance of community.

The CBBC actor, who appears in the hit children’s series DNN, visited Little Lever to inspire children.

Pupils from six village schools have been taking part in a special ‘Places Where the Rushes Grow’ project, inspired by Meccano Bridge, and funded through a grant from the Big Lottery’s Celebrate England fund.

The project was co-ordinated by Bolton's Playing For Success.

Youngsters from Ladywood School — which successfully bid for the money — Bowness Primary, Mytham Primary, Masefield Primary, St Teresa’s RC Primary and St Matthew’s CE Primary School have been taking part in the project co-ordinated by Playing for Success.

The children had earlier visited Meccano Bridge and found out how the site had become a popular beauty spot from once being at the centre of industry.

They wrote poems about the site which have been published in a special book and presented to each of the schools.

Neil West, assistant manager for Playing for Success, said it had been a very successful project.

He said: “Victoria joined us at our super learning day to celebrate the end of the project about the community children live in and how communities are built.

“She held a drama workshop with them as part of a carousel of activities including drama, design technology and art.

“Quite a few of the children recognised Victoria and she was really good with them and friendly.

"She did role play with them which they enjoyed.”

As part of the activities children had a chance to build their own bridge at Bolton Technology Centre, where the super learning day was held.

Mr West added: “The day gave children a chance to take part in really exciting activities and give them the wow factor to their learning.”