RENOWNED authors Gillian Cross and Paul Dowswell visited Shebbear College in September as part of the Appledore Book Festival schools programme.

On Wednesday, September 18 Paul Dowswell, author of over 60 books visited the college. More than 100 students packed the assembly hall for Paul's presentation on his latest book, Eleven Eleven, about the closing hours of the first world war and three young combatants from different nations.

The following day another group of students were treated to a talk by Carnegie Medal winning writer Gillian Cross.

The author spoke about writing about how people cope in difficult situations, and her most recent book After Tomorrow.

Headmaster Simon Weale said: 'I was delighted that Mrs Welby, our librarian, was able to organise visits from two distinguished authors who spoke to several different age groups.

'Paul Dowswell and Gillian Cross are highly regarded in their field and were able to speak with passion and integrity about their work.

'I hope this has in some way stimulated the children to do some book reading.

'It is a pursuit easily lost in a world of computer screens and social media.'

The college expressed thanks to volunteers of the Appledore Book Festival schools programme for arranging the events.