Children's performance poet John Foster made a popular visit St. Mary's School on Friday to celebrate National Poetry Day.

Although the official National Poetry Day took place a week before, John Foster was then unable to visit and so the school postponed their poetry day celebrations.

Mr Foster, who has written 11 poetry books and edits anthologies, said: "The girls have been very responsive. They have joined in.

"I have answered their questions about how I write poems and how I perform poems.

"I performed the poems, and then explained how I write them."

Mr Foster was invited to the school by librarian Lindsey Pilkington.

"We both belong to the Federation of Children's Book Groups and we have met at their conferences many years ago," she said

"I invited John here as a celebration of National Poetry Day."

Ms Pilkington said year seven to nine attended Mr Foster's lectures.

Head teacher Helen Wright said: "It's a wonderful opportunity for the girls to have such an interesting and entertaining performer.

"All who participated thoroughly enjoyed the day."