THEY HAD read the books and on Monday Helston schoolchildren had the chance to meet the man who wrote them.

Jack Trelawny, author of the Kernowland series, was welcomed to Nansloe CP School on Monday afternoon.

Head of key stage two Derrick Frantz said: "The children were excited about the visit as they had been feverishly reading the Kernowland books, which were freely available from the school library, in anticipation of the visit.

"It was evident that the children were inspired by Mr Trelawny who gave a talk about how he creates stories from looking at pictures and listening out for ideas from a variety of sources."

This was exemplified by Year 5 pupil Nicholas who said: "I want to write loads of stories now."

Each child who had ordered a copy of one of the books was able to have it signed and dedicated by the author. Mr Trelawny was very complimentary about his visit saying he felt "very welcome at Nansloe". Mr Frantz also gave a very special thank you to Heather Foster, the school librarian, for arranging it all.