Pupils from Bedmond Village and Primary School were left “star-struck” yesterday, following a visit from a popular children’s author.

Adrian Townsend, writer of book series Gran’s Gang among others, popped in to the school in Meadow Way, to explain to children what it is to be an author.

Headteacher Emma Woolon said: “The children really enjoyed the visit, they loved it. Initially they were pretty star-struck, what with having a famous author in the building, but he put them at their ease and soon all the children were giggling.

“Mr Townsend read from one of his Gran’s Gang books and described to the children what inspires him.

“It was a great experience, the children really were in awe.

“It’s definitely made an impact. One of our pupils came up to me today to say she was so inspired by the visit that she wanted to start writing poetry – which I will be helping with. Who knows, we could have a few budding authors on our hands.”

Mr Townsend returned to the school this afternoon, to sign copies of his books.

Mrs Woolon added: “We will be buying a few to stack on our shelves and we will also be lending them to our children, which should save parents a bit of money.”