A historian and author joined pupils for special writing workshops on World Book Day.

Pupils enjoyed a range of sessions designed to complement their curriculum topics, studying items such as the Middle Ages, the Stuarts, the rise of Nazism and fascism in the 20th century and the Cold War.

Dan Jones, Evening Standard columnist and TV presenter, delivered the fun, interactive writing workshops to help children write critically and creatively.

He said: "I had a brilliant time leading the history sessions with The Totteridge Academy students today. Throughout the day, I was incredibly impressed by their subject knowledge, politeness and enthusiasm and each year group produced some excellent work.

"Students were really keen to get to know specific details behind the key historic periods that we discussed and got actively involved in asking and answering questions, using this in their writing.

"From testing out replica medieval armour to writing essays and creative pieces, I hope the sessions were a fun way for students to explore these topics outside their normal lessons."

Principal Chris Fairbairn said: "We were thrilled to welcome Dan Jones to our school for World Book Day to give our students a very entertaining and engaging storytelling tour of British and world history.

"As an author and presenter, his approach to the workshops brought to life to some of the most important and defining eras in British history, whilst covering a huge range of historical facts and key concepts.

"From the Middle Ages right through to the 20th Century, our students thoroughly enjoyed the chance to delve deeper into some fascinating topics and understand the lasting impact that moments in history have had on the world we see today."