Youngsters at Even Swindon Junior School have enjoyed a touch of inspiration from children's author David Mason.

The children listened to Mr Mason as he read extracts of his book, Leo's Magic Shoes.

However, the main purpose of the day was to fire the children's own imaginations to create adventures of their own.

Deputy head Samantha Lawton said the exercise had been enjoyed by pupils and author alike.

Mr Mason spent the day with Mike Barrett's class.

He said: "I am very impressed. The children have written so much and it is all good quality stuff."

The author himself was equally delighted with the result of the day's activities.

He said: "I think it is important for children to feel inspired about their writing."

The author tries to spend as much time as possible visiting his 'readership' to help them develop a love of literature.

Leo's Magic Shoes is the author's first venture in writing for a younger audience.

It is about a boy who finds a pair of special shoes with magic properties. However, he eventually learns some things are more important than his prize possessions, in what is described as a moral tale.

The pupils themselves thoroughly enjoyed producing their own adventures.

Mr Mason himself received the thumbs up as the class labelled him as 'cool.'