YOUNGSTERS are meeting some of the country's most famous children's authors as part of a two-week book festival.

The Northern Children's Book Festival is taking place across the North-East and sees renowned authors, illustrators, poets and other storytellers work with pupils to foster a love of reading and storytelling.

In Stockton, the libraries service is hosting six authors during the festival who will work with more than 1,800 primary and secondary school pupils to inspire them to use their imagination, hone their creative talents and enjoy reading as a pastime.

Illustrator and author Clara Vulliamy is the creator of colourful characters including Dotty Detective and her faithful hound McClusky.

She visited Billingham Central Library to work with three Billingham primary schools – Roseberry Primary, Pentland Primary and High Clarence Primary.

“I’ve loved every moment," she said. "The children from visiting schools were as engaged, bright and lively as I could ever hope to meet. I’m looking forward to coming back already.”

Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “Each year the Northern Children’s Book Festival brings some first-class authors, illustrators, storytellers and poets to our borough to work with our children and young people. Fantastic sessions like Clara’s bring alive the wonder of literature for all the young people involved and we hope that they go away enthused and inspired, ready to write their own stories or try new authors.”

The two week festival culminates in the Northern Children’s Book Festival Gala Day on Saturday (19 November) in Middlesbrough. For more information visit www.northernchildrensbookfestival.org.uk