STUDENTS at Tavistock College were inspired by a visiting author in tandem with World Book Day earlier this month.

Tanya Landman, winner of the Red House Children's Book Award 2010, was invited by Tavistock College Library and the town library to talk about her Poppy Fields book series.

College student Marianne said: 'Meeting Tanya was great!

'She was tremendously down to earth and funny. I really enjoyed reading her books so meeting her was amazing.'

Tanya not only enjoyed talking with young people about her own writing and inspirations — she even chatted through her lunch-break and met with the college reading group.

Book group member Freya said: 'Meeting Tanya was brilliant! It was really interesting to talk to her and ask her questions after having read and enjoyed her books.

'She was really inspiring and I'm so glad I met her.'

Year 9 classes were also given the opportunity to put their own questions to Tanya — and walk away with a personal, signed copy of a Tanya Landman book.

Pupil Geena, said: 'I would like to go on to writing my own books when I'm older and she inspired me and made me think harder about how to become an author.'