CHILDREN from Okehampton Primary School enjoyed a visit from a storyteller recently to help them with a long term project.

Pupils are taking part in a year-long project learning about dormice and their conservation.

Involving the whole school, it aims to culminate in pupils learning how to write and produce an illustrated children's story book which will then be submitted to a number of publishing houses.

Storyteller Clive Pig visited the school for two days to inspire pupils and get them to think imaginatively about how to develop their ideas. Clive uses masks, music and puppetry to bring his stories to life.

He read to them the start of one of his stories, 'The Higglety Pigglety Hedge', and encouraged pupils to contribute additional characters and endings into his storyline.

Clive worked with each class throughout his visit, and held a brainstorming workshop with a small group to discuss their favourite books and how best to market their own book.

Fran Rickwood, who is co-ordinating the project, said: 'It was inspirational watching Clive working with the children. He was able to demonstrate to them how their basic story ideas can be transformed into an exciting and imaginative storyline.

'We can't wait to get writing and drawing. The book writing element of the project is ambitious and somewhat daunting but the children are very excited about the learning journey.'

If anyone in the wider school community has any practical experience in editing or publishing, the school would be pleased to hear from you. You can call the school on 01837 52866.