HOLLYWOOD star Liam Neeson made a surprise visit back to Ballymena to lend his support to a cause close to his heart.
The Schindler's List and Taken actor visited the town's integrated secondary school, Slemish College, which is marking its 20th anniversary.
Neeson - who is a major supporter of the integrated sector - joined principal Dr Paul McHugh, head boy Connor Lunnun and head girl Abigail Fletcher to cut a special cake in the shape of the school building.
The 63-year-old star posed for photos with pupils and staff, signed autographs and chatted with students for about two hours on Monday.
Neeson watched performances by the school's drama department, spoke about film and acting and had tea and cake with Year 14 pupils.
Senior teacher Grace Anderson said Neeson "could not have been kinder or more accommodating to the pupils".
"He was very generous in how much time he gave to the students. His commitment was totally to them," she told the BBC.
Ms Anderson said Neeson was one of the school's first supporters when it opened in 1996.
"He's been a supporter of integrated education in Ballymena and spoke at length about his interest in integrated education," she said.
About seven per cent of children in Northern Ireland are educated in integrated schools.
Neeson grew up in Corlea Gardens in Ballymena's Demesne estate and was educated at St Patrick's Secondary School in the town, now St Patrick's College.
He is believed to be staying with a family member while back in Ballymena and was spotted walking through the town early on Monday.
The actor is a long-time supporter of integrated education in the north.
In December, Neeson met Baroness May Blood, chair of the Integrated Education Fund and John Fitzpatrick, chief executive of Fitzpatrick Hotels and Chair of the American Ireland Fund at the House of Lords in London to show his continuing support for the campaign for integrated education.
Last month, the actor took time out from his schedule to support the people of Ballymena in their battle for jobs.
He recorded a short video urging the public to support the Rally For A Future following the loss of 2,000 jobs in Ballymena with the imminent closures of JTI Gallaher and Michelin.
In 2013 the Oscar nominated star was awarded the Freedom of the Borough from Ballymena council.
The award is the highest accolade the council can award a citizen.
