School pupils from across the county came together on Tuesday to delve into the world of literature for the annual Norfolk Children’s Book Festival. The event, held at Norwich Cathedral and part of the Young Norfolk Arts Festival, saw over 800 children from 28 Norfolk schools take part. The pupils enjoyed a day packed full of workshops and talks by authors including Mark Walden, Helen Dennis and Sarah Mussi.

Cheryl Wood, head librarian at Norwich School, said: “The festival was about enthusing children about books and creating or expanding a love of reading. It was great to have so many schools from across Norfolk involved.”

The festival saw Norwich School pupil Natasha Lee (L4S) awarded first prize in the creative writing competition for her story Blackbird.

She said: “I was surprised and really happy to win. My story is about mainly emotions and peer pressure. It’s about the choices that you have in life.”

Martha Shawyer, 12, from Sheringham High School, won second prize for her story Mirror Mirror and fellow Sheringham High pupil Harry Moorfoot, 12, came third for his untitled story which he described as an Indiana Jones-style tale with a twist.

The Norwich School Library organisers are indebted to the large team of Norwich School teachers led by Mr Andrew Murray (HoD, English) who assisted on the day; together with a band of enthusiastic pupil-helpers from L4 through to U6 leavers who came in especially to assist us. A very special word of thanks to the Book Festival MC, L6 pupil Luke Shaw, who acquitted himself with distinction. Luke had the unenviable task of introducing and thanking every speaker. Luke read books by all the authors to ensure that he was adequately prepared; his introductions and thanks and his knowledge of Children’s fiction inspired the young audience. Luke certainly exceeded our brief to him to be a reading role model.