HE may have been there to meet the students but Henry “The Fonz” Winkler caused a bigger stir among parents and staff during a visit to Oakmead College of Technology in Bournemouth.

Mums and dads clamoured for his autograph when he arrived to promote The First News My Way! Campaign, aimed at raising awareness of the needs of children with learning challenges.

It’s a long time since he swaggered around Arnold’s Drive-In with his friend Richie Cunningham in the hit 1970s and ’80s American sitcom Happy Days.

But staff of a certain age joined the long queue for his autograph after he spoke to Oakmead and Elmrise pupils. “These people are so warm,” he said. “This is the first time I have been to this area and it has gone unbelievably well.”

Henry, who is dyslexic, and First News, the national newspaper for children, are currently on their fourth UK tour.

He told his audience: “School was unbelievably hard for me – teachers didn’t know what dyslexia was at that time.

“I was labelled a troublemaker, I was the class clown. I got a bad grade in everything but lunch – I was great at lunch.”

Henry told them how he has gone on to become a best-selling author of children’s books – the central character is a 10-year-old boy with dyslexia. He has recently been awarded the OBE for the work he does for children with learning difficulties.

And he signed copies of his books, called Hank Zipzer, the World’s Greatest Under-Achiever.

Oakmead head Dr Annetta Minard said he met pupils from all years and had been a great inspiration to them.

“This is part of activities week and has been a special event for everyone. Parents waited to get his autograph and he made time for everyone.”