AWARD-winning writer Jonathan Tulloch discovered some up-and-coming talent when he visited a North Yorkshire School.

The author, whose latest book is Mr McCool, ran an Inspire To Write Day for 31 pupils with his wife Shirley at Pickhill School, near Thirsk.

The couple, who live in Bagby, also near Thirsk, co-wrote I Am A Cloud, I Can Blow Anywhere, and Mr Tulloch’s writing career started when he won the Bishop Auckland Short Story Writing Competition in 1997.

He went on to win the Betty Trask Prize for the best first novel in 2000 with his book The Season Ticket, which was made into the film, Purely Belter.

“We all know that everyone has a story in them and children often have more than one story,” said Mr Tulloch, who worked as a secondary school teacher in Gateshead before becoming a writer.

“It was brilliant to see the children’s imaginations being sparked. They were brimming with tales and twists.”

Darlington-born Mrs Tulloch, author of the picture book, Who Made Me?, worked with youngsters aged four to seven while Mr Tulloch was with the older children. At the end of the day-long workshop, the budding writers shared their stories.

Head teacher Christine Gabbott said: “The children had a tremendously inspiring and enjoyable day and they produced some excellent writing.”

The workshop was partly funded by the Friends of Pickhill School, whose next event is a Halloween Party for children aged 12 and under at Sinderby Village Hall, near Thirsk, on October 26 from 5pm until 7pm.