CHILDREN were inspired to pen their own novels when renowned author Alan Gibbons paid them a visit.

The writer, who was the first winner of Blue Peter's Book Award for his gem, The Shadow of the Minotaur, spent the day at Egglescliffe Secondary School, near Eaglescliffe, last week.

He was invited to spend the day talking to 11 to 14-year-olds about his inspiration for the stories he writes, and where his love of literature came from.

Library technician Ann Robson said 240 children were able to listen to Mr Gibbons talk about his life in Liverpool, where he loves to watch football and do everyday things.

"He came to the school to talk about what it was like to be an author and what gives him ideas for his writing," said Mrs Robson.

"We asked him to come here because we wanted the students to see that you can be an ordinary guy who likes football and who has travelled around a bit, doing various jobs, but who can still write great stories.

"We were trying to show how reading and writing is very accessible and not just for girls and wimps."

At the school, he launched the annual Readathon, where they join children across the country in raising cash for charities by reading books. "He was excellent to listen to and he writes books for teenagers, so I think the students found him really interesting." said Mrs Robson.