PUPILS from Edge Grove School in Radlett welcomed children’s author and football journalist Dan Freedman through their school gates.

Mr Freedman took part in a creative writing workshop with a special insight into what it is like to be an author and his inspirations for his novels.

The session began with Mr Freedman speaking about his life as an author and his background in football.

He said: “The idea behind my books was a very simple one.

“I wanted to write the kind of books that I would have loved to read when I was younger.”

Mr Freedman’s popular Jamie Johnson series of books have inspired children across the country.

“The other ingredient was to share and tap into the unique experiences that I was lucky enough to have when I was working in football,” he said.

The Year 6 pupils were treated to a master class in writing and the Year 8 children judged the stories during the workshop.

Mr Freedman donated a complete copy of the series of his books to the schools’ library and was very moved by the natural enthusiasm he witnessed from the children.

He said: “I had a wonderful day at Edge Grove, it was a privilege to spend time with the terrific staff and pupils.

“The children’s enthusiasm was infectious and they asked such great and intelligent questions during the talk.

“Some of the writing they produced during the workshop itself was truly exceptional.”

The school has also been invited to participate in some pilot work for Dan linked to the adaptation of his novels for a new CBBC TV series.

Ben Evans, headmaster at Edge Grove School, said: “It was a great honour to welcome Dan to our school and to be asked to get involved with the pilot work for the new TV series; we will be official trailblazers.

“The children really got a lot out of the workshop too because Dan is very inspiring and fun to work with.”