A PE teacher has penned a children's book inspired by the Rugby World Cup heroics of a player from his home town.
Jared Bell, who teaches at St Michael and St Martin RC Primary School, in Hounslow , says he hopes Piri's Big All Black Dream will encourage young readers to "shoot for the stars".
The 34-year-old, who lives in Twickenham , got the idea for the story when watching Piri Weepu kick New Zealand to victory over Argentina in the quarter finals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, which the All Blacks went on to win.
Mr Bell was born in England but grew up in Wainuiomata, the same town from which the scrum-half hails, and he thought the player's real-life story perfectly illustrated the idea that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
"Piri was our saviour that day after the injury to Dan Carter. He's a genuine average bloke and I thought what he did showed anyone from any background can strive to achieve their dream," he said.
"I want children to realise they can do amazing things if they strive for their goals in life, whatever those may be.
'no dream is too big and no dreamer too small when you shoot for the stars'
The book, which is illustrated by Jimmy Diaz, follows little Piri as he works hard, eats well and puts in the hours of practice to achieve his dream of rugby glory.
It ends with a photo of Piri Weepu himself, who has endorsed the book, accompanied by the message: "Piri became an All Black star and YOU can become a star too."
That photo was taken in Old Deer Park, Richmond, where Mr Bell met Weepu while the scrum-half was in England playing for London Welsh last year.
Despite being born in England and living here for the last decade, there is no question of divided loyalties for the teacher when it comes to rugby.
He will be at Twickenham for the semi-final and final of this year's Rugby World Cup and is confident the All Blacks will make it two in a row.
"I really think New Zealand are going to do it and hopefully I can cheer them on to victory this time," he said.
* Piri's Big All Black Dream, aimed at three to nine year olds, is published by Penguin Random House New Zealand and is an official licensed All Black product.
Waterstones is stocking the book at its Richmond and Twickenham branches during the Rugby World Cup, Mr Bell said.
