LITERATURE students have been inspired by national figures who have written their own futures thanks to the power of words.

GCSE students have been stirred to action, as they make their final preparations for crucial English literature exams in May, by a day-long conference aimed at boosting grades.

Almost 100 year 11 English literature GCSE students from Longfield Academy, in Darlington, attended an inaugural literature conference at the town’s Blackwell Grange Hotel.

Critically acclaimed award-winning British poet Daljit Nagra was among a line-up of influential speakers that also included BBC Breakfast business presenter Steph McGovern.

Year 11 pupils study Mr Nagra’s poetry and in 2007, 2011 and 2013 he was awarded Poetry Book of the Year.

He told them: “It is amazing to have students study my poems as part of the GCSE curriculum.

“I used to listen to a lot of rock music because I loved the lyrics. I found that poetry is like music without the guitar.”

As well as reading his poems, he answered a host of questions about his life, his poetry and the life experiences that shape his work.

Middlesbrough-born Ms McGovern told students about her life reporting business news in this country and abroad.

“My job is about being nosy, about finding stories, stories that are true, but stories nevertheless,” said Ms McGovern, who works out of Manchester but still has a home in the North-East.

“It is hard work but it is a lot of fun. The biggest thing I have learnt is that you have to be true to yourself. Don’t lose your personality. That has been crucial to my career.”

Teesside University senior lecturer in English Dr Rob Hawkes discussed the importance of English literature in future careers and life skills, and senior lecturer in English Dr Helen Davies, gave a lecture on the Victorian Gothic.

The day was organised by assistant curriculum leader for English and literacy Louise Mower and faculty leader Louise Laver just as the school received its early entry English GCSE results revealing an 81 per cent pass rate, up from 75 per cent last year.