Former SAS sergeant turned bestselling author, Andy McNab, was at Parmiter's School, Garston, on Wednesday for the annual Donald Wallace lecture.

The lecture was part of the sixth form Liberal Studies programme. Students in years 12 and 13 had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of themes with the author, while key stage three students, heard him speak about his extraordinary life - from abandoned baby to teenage delinquent to world-class soldier and novelist.

McNab is most famous for his first book, Bravo Two Zero (1993), in which he recounts the story of an SAS patrol behind enemy lines in Iraq.

Since then, he has gone on to write many more books, including fiction series for young adults.

Both McNab's fiction and non-fiction books draw on his expreiences in the SAS and due to the sensitive nature of it, he does not reveal his face in public; which English teacher, Tony Haynes said made the event all the more exciting.

The visit to Parmiter's School was organised by Learning Resource Centre assistant, Niki Davison.

She said: "It was quite a coup to get Andy McNab, escpecially as we are keen to encourage all sorts of reading at Parmiter's, not just fiction.

"I think the students were impressed to realise that like Andy, you can discover the pleasure of reading or writing your own material, at any time in your life."

Lower sixth form student, Ben Covington said: "Andy's story of personal transformation was inspirational, particularly as we are approaching Remembrance Day."

Another lower sixth form student, Max Porter added: "It was amazing that he made the journey from young offender to successful soldier and writer, showing how you can turn your life around."

Miss Davison is a keen advocate for reading and has arranged various authors to visit the school and talk to the students, including Jamers Dashner, Chris Lloyd and Damien Dibben.