Children at a secondary school in St Albans had the opportunity to get some tips on how to become a writer when an author visited their school.

Marcus Alexander visited Beaumont School in Oakland Drive on Wednesday, February 22 to speak to more than 180 year seven pupils about his latest book Keeper of the Realms: Crow’s Revenge.

After the talk, students had the chance to question the author about his life and his career, and to get their copies of the book signed. Rosie Dudgeon, the school’s librarian, said: “He was so enthusiastic – he was a performer as well as an author.

As well as writing children’s books, Mr Alexander is also a qualified personal trainer and practices gymnastics.

The visit is part of a library programme to try and get children to read for pleasure.

Ms Dudgeon added: “We really felt it was a really successful event and when you see kids reading the book afterwards you know it has been a success.

“I think it is inspirational and encouraging to get them to meet the person who is writing the books.”