TV FUNNYMAN John Bishop made a surprise visit to a Winsford primary school.

The comedian shared a unique insight into his childhood with the star-struck pupils Oak View Academy, which was taken over by the North West Academies Trust (NWAT) in April.

John, a father-of-three, grew up on the Crook Lane Estate, Wharton, and urged the children to grab every opportunity available to them in life.

"This school has gone through a massive change and is now in a good place, you can now do better than you could have before,” he said.

“Where or how you grow up doesn't have to define you for the rest of your lives.

“It's important to have the courage to forge your own way in life, even if this means making hard decisions and perhaps leaving behind childhood friends who don't share the same aspirations.

"What's important is knowing you've done your best, if you do that then everything else will happen for you."

Excited Oak View pupils quizzed the comedian on his gruelling 290-mile triathlon from Paris to London to raise money for Sports Relief, and what it’s like to be famous.

The life-long Liverpool FC supporter said: "The best thing about being famous is getting to lots of things you wouldn't normally be able to do, like playing football at Anfield and meeting the Queen.

"The worst bit is not being able to do the normal things as easily but I'd never complain because life is a lot better now than it was before and I'm very lucky."

After his inspirational talk, John presented awards to children from each year group, congratulating each one and encouraging them to keep up the hard work.

He was then presented with his very own 'fantastic achievement' medal.

Steve Docking, from NWAT, said: "John's honesty, intelligence and humour helped the children really understand that working hard at whatever you do is one of the keys to success.

“We’d like to thank him for taking the time to come along and share his personal experiences, it was pleasure to welcome him to Oak View and the staff and pupils agreed it’s a day they’ll never forget.”