POPULAR children's author Cathy MacPhail met staff and students in a literary afternoon at Okehampton College last week.

Cathy is the author of more than 20 books for young people, her varied work ranges from bullying to ghost stories, comedy and romance.

The Scottish novelist is particularly known for her direct approach to real-life issues and likes to take young characters into situations which would be challenging for adults.

Her first book, 'Run Zan Run', won the Kathleen Fidler Award, and in 2006 'Roxy's Baby' won the Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children's Books. 'Another Me', a novel which began as a short story idea, is currently in production to become a feature film.

The event was organised by the Scottish Book Trust in partnership with Cyprus Well and Devon Libraries.

This tour has also been supported by Cyprus Well, a charity for literature development agency for the South West, and Devon Libraries.

More than 30 students turned up to the event in the college's new library, many coming away with a signed copy of one of her books.

Victoria Thorton, Okehampton College's head of English, said: 'She had the children absolutely transfixed. Cathy had a lovely manner and relaxed way which totally engaged them.

'It was a great success.'