Scottish school pupil receives letter from Barack Obama

Eight-year-old Robert Robertson, from Linwood, Renfrewshire, decided to write to the US leader after he was asked to get in touch with someone in a different country.

The Our Lady of Peace primary pupil posted a drawing of the children's book character Flat Stanley to the White House several weeks ago and was delighted when the president replied with a letter and photographs.

The signed note said: "Thank you for sending Flat Stanley to the White House. I am pleased to report that he worked hard, listened carefully and had a lot of fun!"

Robert said: "I was surprised because I didn't think a letter would come back. The envelope had the address of the White House on it and I was very excited!"

The Flat Stanley Project was started more than a decade ago to boost children's literacy skills.

Pupils write to a penpal about the adventures of Stanley Lambchop, the character from the popular kids book who is flattened when a notice board falls on him and begins posting himself around the world.

Robert's parents Janice and Allan told their son that the president was a busy man and might not have time to write back with an update on Flat Stanley's progress.

They were delighted when the reply came with photos of Mr Obama, his family and an activity booklet featuring the White House dog Bo.

Mrs Robertson said: "My daughter was in when the letter arrived. She got very excited when she saw that it said The White House on the envelope but managed to wait until Robert came home from school so he could open it himself.

"When I came home from work he came running to the front door to tell me he'd got a letter from the President.

"I couldn't believe it. It's great that he got a reply at all, let alone from the President himself. He was really excited and took the letter into school to tell his teacher straight away."

The letter said Robert's 'friend' had enjoyed sitting in on meetings with government advisors and taking a tour of the East Wing.

It said: "We always enjoy having visitors at the White House."

Marie Claire Temple, head teacher of the Linwood school, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Robert took the initiative to send Flat Stanley to see President Obama and his family at the White House.

"To receive a letter from the President of the United States is an honour and is something that Robert will treasure - he hasn't stopped smiling!"