THEY might not be the Two Ronnies, but the Two Steves created plenty of laughter at Okehampton College last week.

The writing duo — Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore — visited the college to talk to Year 7, 8 and 9 students about the joys of reading and writing. Among them were the college's student librarians who help to run the school library.

The Two Steves tour the country and around the world talking to youngsters about reading and writing. Their visit to Okehampton was part of a tour around Devon schools and colleges.

Since meeting more than 20 years ago, they have written over 150 books together. In addition to their many popular fiction series, like Action Dogs, Challenger, Mad Myths, Vernon Bright and The Dark Forest, they have written many non-fiction books, TV scripts and edited many plays.

Steve Barlow, of the Two Steves, said: 'The point of touring like this is to get students enthusiastic about reading, and writing creatively as well.

'We say we do talks but it's more like an hour of stand-up.

'The age range of Year 7, 8 and 9, from 11 to about 14, is the biggest drop off point for kids' reading. So the idea here is to keep their enthusiasm high.'

Their visit was part sponsored by the college PTFA.