A children’s author visited a school in St Albans today to tell pupils about his first book.

Richard Mayers spent an hour a Townsend School in High Oaks teaching teenagers about his approach to writing.

The author’s latest book Spikez tells the tale of animals that have been fused with technology to fight crime.

Fallon Ismail, manager of the school’s discovery centre, said: “I think it is really inspiring for the children.

“It is something different for them and something for them to look forward to.

“It was fantastic.”

As part of the talk Mr Mayers brought in a hedgehog to show the children where he got the inspiration from for his characters.

Ms Ismail added: “The talk was quite interactive.

“The children really liked learning about the different characters and why he picked them.”