CHILDREN'S authors will pass on some of their skills when they come to Hartlepool this week.

The writers will visit libraries and schools as part of the Northern Children's Book Festival, which promotes reading and literature among youngsters.

There will be 18 author-run sessions, aimed at primary and secondary school pupils, including workshops in poetry, story writing and book illustration.

The authors taking part are Gillian Cross, famous for her Demon Headmaster series, Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore, noted for their Lost Diaries and Outernet series, as well as Shoo Rayner, John Foster, Jan Dean and Steve Weatherill.

Mr Weatherill, known for his books about Baby Goz, will concentrate on providing a day's programme for children with special needs at Springwell School.

Graham Jarritt, Hartlepool libraries direct services officer, said: "This is an excellent example of how the North-East is leading the way. The quality of the programme in Hartlepool this year is extremely high, with top authors coming from all over the UK to share their skills and experience."

Children attending the sessions, either at a library or in their school, will have the opportunity to buy signed copies of books written by the authors who are leading the workshops.

The festival will culminate in a Gala Day at the Southlands Centre, Middlesbrough on Saturday, between 9.45am and 4.30pm.