Children’s author Michael Morpurgo visited St Mary’s School in Calne last week to entertain students as part of the school’s Founders Day.

Mr Morpurgo, whose book War Horse is being made into a film by Steven Spielberg next year, said his mother had started his love of books by reading to him at bedtime.

He also told the children a horror story about a teacher who he described as ‘the most fearsome creature’ who once timed him to write a two-side essay.

He added: “It was the most appalling introduction to creative writing.”

The students were also amused to hear how Mr Morpurgo’s literary talent was discovered when he developed a coping strategy to involve a bored class of Year 6 students who terrified him.

He said: “Year Sixes eat you alive.

“The only way to hold their attention was to read a story they loved. I went home one night and my wife said ‘make up a story of your own’.

“I started telling my own stories and their faces changed. One day the Head came in to listen, told me it was the most wonderful story and that I must write it out and give it to her as she has a friend in publishing she wanted to show it to. Three weeks later, Macmillan gave me a book deal.”

The school was also paid a visit by Devizes MP Claire Perry on the same day who spoke at the Leavers’ Church Service.