PUPILS at two primary schools were inspired by a local author a local author during World Book Week.

The Star reported in January when Jessica Parish, from New Bold, published her first book ‘Pugalugs: The Beginning’ which was launched at Wardleworths bookshop.

And Jess, along with husband Mark, was on hand to offer schoolchildren at St Anne’s Catholic Primary, Sutton and Broad Oak Community Primary, Parr an insight into writing a book and being a publisher.

Each class was also given the opportunity to meet the main character of the book, Pugalugs and receive a special ‘paw stamp’ autograph.

Younger pupils at both schools not only met the pug dog but were given an overview of where the idea for the book came from, and a chance to learn facts about pugs.

Meanwhile, year six children were given the introduction into the world of writing and publishing, before they shared the book with the younger children in a group reading session.

After the visits Jessica said: “We wanted to do something special for the local schools and World Book Week seemed like the perfect opportunity.

“Both Mark and myself thoroughly enjoyed our visits to St Anne’s and Broad Oak. The children absolutely loved meeting Pugalugs, and it was so lovely to see that some of the children already owned a copy of Pugalugs: The Beginning and some of them knew the words off by heart!

“For such young children, their questions were inspiring and the confidence they displayed was outstanding, they were a pleasure to spend the day with. "