STAFF and pupils of a village primary school have welcomed back an alumnus who is now a published children's author.

Rachel Coverdale returned to her former school, Ingleby Greenhow Church of England Primary School, on Friday, December 13, to chat to pupils about her books and her time at the school.

Headteacher Michelle Norris said: "Rachel started at Ingleby in 1972 and left in 1980.

"She came to talk to the pupils about her job as an author, share her books with the children and to share her experiences of her time at at the school as she remembers them. T

"The children were really inspired by her visit which further promoted a love of reading in the school.

"Rachel herself felt quite emotional about stepping foot back in the school after so many years.

"We even found an old school photo of Rachel with her tongue sticking out! It was lovely to share the picture with her and hear her memories."

Ms Coverdale's books include for younger children 'Who hides here? Footprints in the garden.' and 'Who hides here? Footprints on the farm.'

Her book for older children is 'The Boy who Couldn't'.

Mrs Norris added: "Children had the opportunity to ask Rachel questions and to buy signed copies of her books."

Maya Hughes, 10, said: "I liked it when Rachel read her book 'The Boy Who Couldn't'. My favourite part was when the boy protects the horse. I thought it was interesting that she explained how reading can be more fun than watching television." Cyrus Tahmassebi, 10, said: "It was special because I had never met a real life author before and it was nice that she used to come to our school."

Ms Coverdale said she was raised around animals but without the distraction of TV. She said she turned to books for entertainment, and uses her books to encourage children into the countryside.