Two West Craven High pupils got to interview the manager of Burnley Football Club - and were told that their questions were better than those of many professional journalists.

Year nine students Thomas Hunter and Daniel Cracknell quizzed Owen Coyle about the Burnley and Arsenal FA Cup clash for the recently-formed school newspaper project.

The youngsters were invited to attend Burnley's weekly press conference at Turf Moor. In preparation, the boys spent time thinking up appropriate questions and discussing how they would approach the big event.

The boys were treated like professional journalists and got a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the way a press conference was run, listening to both the radio and press interviews before they had their turn.

Tom and Daniel asked five questions each and made notes about Mr Coyle's responses.

After the event, the club called the school to praise the students' behaviour and professionalism and Mr Coyle said their "superb" questions were better than many he was asked by professional journalists.

School newspaper co-ordinator Sarah Mellor accompanied the children and was impressed by both their attitude and the response of the manager and staff at the club.

"The club couldn't have been more accommodating or friendly and the boys had a huge surprise when goalkeeper Brian Jensen arrived to be interviewed too.

"Both Mr Jensen and Mr Coyle were more than happy to talk to the boys and sign autographs for them. It was a fantastic morning which they will never forget."

Miss Mellor said West Craven High was hopeful that the interview exercise would be the start of a "long and prosperous" partnership with the football club.