Best selling children's author Eoin Colfer tells pupils a tale or two about his new book

Around 700 pupils gathered at Yarm school to be treated to a storytelling session by Eoin Colfer.

Hundreds of young bookworms enjoyed a story from one of the world’s best-selling children’s authors.

Pupils from across Stockton attended a storytelling session with Artemis Fowl creator Eoin Colfer.

Eoin’s fantasy series - which tells the story of a teenage criminal mastermind - has sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

Around 700 Year 6 and 7 pupils from ten schools gathered at Yarm School to listen to the writer read from his latest book, W.A.R.P - The Hangman’s Revolution which is published this week.

The interactive session brought the Ireland Laureate’s new work to life with two readers acting out parts of the story.

Youngsters were also invited on stage to help perform Victorian magic tricks.

One of the pupils who attended was Maya Kaur, 11, from William Cassidi CofE Primary School in Stillington.

She said: “I am a book worm. This is the first time I have met an author. I had a tingling inside of me.

“I have only read the blurbs but I think the Artemis Fowl books will be the best.”

The author of the signed copies of his latest book at the end of the session.

With no plans to stop writing, Eoin said: “I will keep writing until people stop reading or I run out of ideas.

“Hopefully neither of these will happen soon.”

The event was organised by Stockton Council and Yarm School,

Councillor Ken Dixon, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture said: “This event is the latest in a series of fantastic author events.

“There is nothing better than listening to an author read their own work so this was an excellent opportunity for all the young people to meet an author in the flesh, ask questions and find out about a career in writing.”

Laura Kelsey, marketing and communications Manager at Yarm School, said: “We are honoured to have such a well-renowned author visit our auditorium. “I would like to thank Stockton Borough Libraries for organising a fantastic event and all of the schools for attending.

“It was interesting and inspiring, especially to those pupils who aspire to have careers in writing or journalism.”