THE visit of an acclaimed author to Middlewich schools last week has been heralded as a success by the event's organiser.

Cathy Cassidy, one of the UK's top selling children's authors, spoke about her career and inspirations to around 300 gathered students at Middlewich Civic Hall on April 28.

The 45 minute talk, followed by audience questions and a book signing session, was attended by pupils from Middlewich High School, Wimboldsley Community Primary School, St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Warmingham C of E Primary School.

Middlewich High School librarian Elaine Atkin-Nash, who set up the event, said: "It went down really well. Anything that encourages boys and girls to read for pleasure is so important.

"Children don’t always see reading as a pleasurable thing to do, but for them to hear Cathy talking about her ideas can really help.

"We had some students who knew her books and were excited to meet her. Some were less enthusiastic, but by the end of the session they were queueing up to buy her books and have them signed.

"It was definitely a success - things like this make it real."

Cathy has twice won the prestigious Queen of Teen award for authors of teenage fiction, and visited Middlewich as part of a two-week tour encouraging school children to read.

She said: "I met some great kids in Middlewich, and have had some lovely feedback from new readers since then."