Former children's laureate hosts special event at Yarm School

The literary event took place at Yarm School and featured former Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, an internationally-acclaimed poet and author.

Nearly 600 pupils attended the session at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, including children from 10 nearby primary schools and Yarm Prep School.

Coelho said: "It was a pleasure to visit Yarm School and meet so many enthusiastic young readers.

"Events like this are a great way to show that poetry and storytelling are for everyone, and I hope it encourages pupils to explore their own creativity."

Organised by Yarm School in partnership with independent bookseller Drake the Bookshop, the event was designed to inspire a love of reading and creative writing.

Coelho is known for titles such as the Fairy Tales Gone Bad series and his Yoto Carnegie Medal-winning verse novel The Boy Lost in the Maze.

During the visit, he spoke about his journey as a writer and engaged pupils through poetry and storytelling.

Huw Williams, headmaster at Yarm School, said: "We were delighted to welcome Joseph Coelho to Yarm School for what was a truly inspiring event.

"Opportunities like this are invaluable in helping young people discover or extend their love of reading and creativity."

Financial support from David Knowles Funeral Service helped cover transport costs, making the event accessible to a wider group of schools.

Company director David Knowles said: "Supporting our local community is at the very heart of everything we do, so it was a real privilege to be able to help over 500 pupils from eleven schools come together, engage with such a talented author and take part in something as creative as writing a collective poem was truly inspiring.

"Opportunities like this can have a lasting impact on young people and we’re proud to have played a small part in making that experience possible."