DELIGHTED pupils at a Halesowen primary school have been treated to a visit from one of their favourite children’s authors.

Lawrence Prestidge, writer of ‘Terror at the Sweet Shop’, visited the youngsters at Huntingtree Primary School to inspire them to become budding authors of the future.

Well known for his entertaining children's books, Lawrence’s stories are reminiscent of the wit and energy of Roald Dahl – the author who inspired him to become an avid reader at the age of 7.

During his visit to Huntingtree, Lawrence read extracts from Terror at the Sweet Shop and his brand new book of rhyming stories – ‘Can Such Things Be?’.

He also bravely fielded the probing questions set by the children before giving up his time to meet children and parents after school.

Lawrence said: “It was a wonderful afternoon visiting the children at Huntingtree. I was really glad to hear the students enjoyed my visit.

“I can only hope that my assembly and my books have inspired children from the school to pick up more books to read and perhaps write their own wonderful stories.

“I'd like to thank the students and staff for a wonderful visit.”

Jim Harrold, headteacher, added: “I am really pleased that the children here at Huntingtree are so enthusiastic about what it’s like to be an author.

“The children here love books and many are already are great writers, and I think Lawrence may have inspired a few of them to aspire to becoming a published author themselves.”

The visit is just one way that the school are encouraging the children to be great readers and writer, with Samantha Jones, the teacher responsible for inviting Lawrence in to school, saying: “The buzz around school was inspiring.

“I think that our love of reading and writing has increased lots because of Lawrence’s visit. We are hoping to keep in touch with Lawrence and have him back in school again soon.”