A WILMSLOW youngster who won a book-writing competition was left stunned as he was given his prize by Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.

The England captain made a surprise visit to Wilmslow Library on Monday, December 5, to present nine-year-old Ajmain Alam with his award.

The Gorsey Bank Primary School student beat competition from seventy children aged eight to 11 after writing an 800-word football story called John’s Magic Gloves.

The story follows a struggling goalkeeper whose luck turns around after finding a pair of gloves belonging to United’s David de Gea, but when the gloves break in a cup tie his career seems to be hanging in the balance.

John Alam, Ajmain’s father, said: “[Ajmain] loves football and plays in goal for the under-nine’s team at school and with the Wilmslow Academy. He is a bit overwhelmed by it all.

“Meeting Wayne Rooney has been the highlight of his year. We are very proud of him.”

The event was sponsored by restaurant Sarafina, which paid to have Ajmain’s story turned into a bound book with illustrations.

Copies of the book went on sale at the event, autographed by Rooney himself, with proceeds going to the CardiacSmart charity to raise funds for a defibrillator.

Erik Garner, from Wilmslow Football Academy, set up the competition which gave young writers the task of penning a football story.

“I spoke to Wayne about this and he didn’t hesitate to offer his support and agreed to come along to hand out the prizes,” he said.

“The stories have been fantastic and the children have shown great imagination.”

Rooney spent more than 30 minutes chatting to Ajmain and the runners-up, and having photographs with the youngsters.

Marg Charlesworth, librarian, was grateful that the United star spent so much time with the excited young writers.

She said: “Having Wayne take time out to attend this evening is far more than we could have wished for.

“The children have been absolutely thrilled to see him here.”