Award-winning author David Almond shared his enthusiasm for writing and storytelling with pupils at St Mary’s School in Calne.

Mr Almond, best known for children’s novel Skellig, visited the school as guest artistic director for The Telegraph Bath Children’s Literature Festival. St Mary’s is sponsoring the event.

Mr Almond spoke to Year 7 and 8 pupils, and children from visiting preparatory schools, including St Margaret’s. He said his love of words and printing began as a child and everyone, from his parents, teachers, other authors and libraries, helped him to become a writer.

Mr Almond read an extract from Skellig and answered questions from pupils about where he gets his ideas and inspiration from.

He signed a large number of books for pupils and staff.

Sian Stables, St Mary’s head of English, said: “You could hear a pin drop as he painted a picture of himself as a babe-in-arms entranced by the text emerging from the machines in the print shop he visited with his mother.”

She said pupils left the talk “inspired and motivated to write”.