A SCHOOL teacher who has been trying to convert his class into Reading FC fans was left over-the-moon when a Royals star turned up during class to back his campaign.

Liam Hughes, a teacher at St Nicholas CE Primary School in Hurst and a long-standing season ticket holder at Madejski Stadium, has slowly but surely tried to convince his children to support his beloved Reading FC.

His personal project gained a huge leap forward when Royals' midfielder George Evans turned up the school to surprise him and convert the children into loyal Royals.

The heart-warming moment was caught on film, as Evans handed Mr Hughes a Reading FC shirt and signed pictures before answering questions from the youngsters.

Mr Hughes said: "It was a big surprise. It was unexpected and wonderful.

"I have been a season ticket holder for 10 years now and I am really enjoying this season.

"I'm trying to get the class to become big Reading fans. I'm trying every year to get a few more.

"I've started getting Reading themed gifts for Christmas too."

The surprise visit came after one of the school's pupils wrote a heart-felt letter to Reading FC, describing Mr Hughes as the club's "biggest fan".

Evans said he was delighted by the reaction, adding: "There were some good questions. It was a good group of kids who were very enthusiastic about football, which was good to see."

One of the youngsters asked Evans if he had ever performed a back-flip before scoring a goal, to which he quipped: "I've never seen that before."