A NATIONALLY renowned children's illustrator and author has returned to the school whose children inspired him with idea for one of his books this week.

Nick Sharratt, who has provided illustrations for Jacqueline Wilson, held creative workshops with pupils at St John the Baptist Church of England Primary School in Ragworth as part of the Northern Children’s Book Festival 2015.

Mr Sharratt decided to return to the school after one of its former pupils, Husnain Javid (now at Egglescliffe School, also in the borough of Stockton), gave him an idea that inspired his new book, Shark in the Park on a Windy Day - the third installation of his bestselling series.

The schoolchildren took part in workshops with the author, including full readings of two books from his Shark in the Park series and pupils also got the chance to create their own illustrated Viking characters.

He said: “I’ve been delighted to take part in the Northern Children’s Book Festival over the years. I was particularly inspired by my visit to St John the Baptist school in Ragworth and came away with the idea for a picture book, triggered by a fantastically creative morning with the pupils.

“Two years later on it’s a huge pleasure to come back and say thank you and share the new published book with the staff and children.”

Inspired by the pop and graphic art of the 1960s, Nick Sharratt has won numerous awards for his work which has been exhibited around the world.

His visit was part of the 32nd Northern Children’s Book Festival 2015 which runs from Monday, November 9 to Friday, November 20.