IT was like a day at the races for pupils at a Chorley school when they were visited by a former Grand National winner.

Bob Champion, who rode Aldaniti to victory in the 1981 race, spent a day at Southlands High, giving presentations to students about his life and career in horse racing.

Students listened intently to brave Bob, who won his battle against cancer, and were intrigued to hear how jockeys keep to a strict diet to keep to their riding weight.

The visit was even more special for two students who interviewed Bob at lunchtime for the next edition of Up-Close magazine.

Joan Kay, Southlands' head of careers, said: "Bob Champion really captured the attention of the pupils and the session went on for 25 minutes longer than it was meant to."

Bob is visiting a number of schools to highlight the number of opportunities in the racing industry.

The visit was arranged through the Northern Racing School, Doncaster, where pupils will go in early July to see the centre.