Newcastle United's Premier League Reading Star Mike Williamson joined acclaimed young people's author Tom Palmer to launch his new book at Benfield School last week.

The writer of football-themed books including Off Side and Own Goal was at the school to read from his new book, The Squad: Black Op. Mike joined Tom to hear about how the beautiful game meets the world of espionage against the backdrop of the Euro 2012 finals in Poland.

As well as being a huge football fan, Tom Palmer has an international reputation in reader development, especially encouraging boys to read, and works with The Reading Agency, Booktrust, the National Literacy Trust and libraries across the country.

He has been the official writer for the Premier League Reading Stars scheme for five years and is also a teacher with the Arvon Foundation.

Janice Hall, Newcastle City Libraries Manager, said: "Newcastle has a global reputation as a football loving city so we were delighted Tom Palmer decided to launch his latest football-themed book here. His books have been extremely important in encouraging our city young boys to continue reading and helping them develop a lifelong love of books.

"We are also thrilled that NUFC footballer and Premier League Reading Star Mike Williamson will be getting involved with the launch and talking to the students at Benfield School about his own experiences as a premiership defender."

Williamson said: "I have been proud to represent Newcastle United as their Reading Star this season and have been very pleased to see the work so many schools have been involved in.

"It's terrific that literacy skills are being improved and showcased throughout the region, and indeed all over the country through this scheme and delighted too that Benfield School are to benefit from a visit from Tom Palmer."