A FORMER children’s laureate paid a visit to pupils at Belmont Castle Academy in Grays.

Anthony Browne, writer and illustrator of more than 40 children’s books, including Gorilla, Zoo and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland spoke to pupils about the work of an author and attempted to inspire them.

Mr Browne was the sixth children’s laureate, holding the prominent literary title between 2009 and 2011, signed copies of his books and drew sketches of gorillas - who feature prominently in his stories.

He said: “I tell pupils that when I was younger I was no better at drawing or writing than they are now.

“I like visitng schools - not all are as nice as this one though!”