AN AUTHOR has been encouraging schoolchildren to get creative.

Jessica Parish, of New Bold, has been inspiring primary school children through her book series, The Adventures of Pugalugs.

Her first book ‘Pugalugs: The Beginning’ was published last year and she has been using the tales to spark pupils’ imaginations.

Children at District C.E Primary, Newton-le-Willows, Willow Tree Primary, Sutton and Thatto Heath Community Primary have all been paid a visit by the writer as well as the real life Pugalugs.

Jessica, 27, has given the children an insight into writing, and some of them have taken to writing their own books as a result.

“The school visits are a great way to raise the awareness and importance of reading with the younger children,” said Jessica.

“And having the star of the book in their school really engages the children in the story.

I have been amazed at how involved the schools have been with the book and some of the children are so inspired by the book that they have written their own stories.

“Knowing that young children have been inspired to write their own stories because of my book is an amazing feeling. There are lots of creative and talented youngsters in St Helens.”