BOYZONE star Shane Lynch caused excitement among pupils and parents alike when he visited Rodbourne Cheney Primary School yesterday.

Shane was in Swindon as part of a tour to promote the relaunch of women only kickboxing classes by martial arts brand Matt Fiddes, he also visited the headquarters of Nationwide and attended an evening kickboxing class.

Shane said: “I went to visit one of Matt’s martial arts schools and I was really impressed by what they teach and how they educate.

“I think is important, especially these days when people sometimes struggle to keep fit and keep their health in check.

“For ladies I think it is wonderful as you can learn how to defend yourself while keeping in shape.”

Shane took part in a question and answer session during the assembly talking about topics ranging from touring around the world to dealing with dyslexia at school.

He was joined at the school by Matt Fiddes as well as Swindon-based instructor Pat O’Driscoll.

Matt is Michael Jackson’s former bodyguard and during one question it emerged that he once took Michael to the Greenbridge Empire Cinema where the staff closed off a screen while the pair watched Toy Story.

Although there is no direct link between the women only programme and the school visit, Matt said they always try to find time to go to schools when their schedule allows.

While the children, most of whom were not born the last time Boyzone released a single, seemed somewhat engaged with the visit, it was the teachers and parents who were most visibly excited.

As the classes filed out of the assembly hall some eager mums could be heard giggling and rattling the door in anticipation of meeting the former boyband star who then spent the next ten minutes meeting parents and posing for pictures.

Rodbourne Cheney Principal, Lisa Davies, said: “We have some pupils who already train at the Matt Fiddes centre, it fits well with our strong values message at the school.

“We were asked if we would like to host the visit and of course we were very happy to.”