Pupils at an Abingdon school joined visiting author Paul Gustafson for a workshop on techniques for writing children's books.

Paul Gustafson with, from left, Susan Warner, Kimberley Henshall, Emma Harrison and Kerry Wilkinson.

Pupils aged 13 and 14 from Fitzharrys School in Northcourt Road, were given the talk from Mr Gustafson as part of an information technology course.

During the course, pupils were asked to design and construct their own children's book.

Mr Gustafson has just had a new children's book published -- Eggbert's Adventures At The Seaside.

Mr Gustafson, 46, who lives in Abingdon, said: "The children loved it and it was wonderful for them because they are constructing children's books which they can pass on to younger children.

"They are now realising how difficult it can be to write for a younger audience."

The book has been illustrated by Ray Mutimer, who also illustrated Postman Pat and Noddy, and is on sale at Waterstone's, Borders and Blackwells bookstores. It can also be found at John the Bookseller, in Wolvercote First Turn, Oxford.