A young Newtown pupil has become an author after an inspiring talk.
Nine year old Billy Francis from Maesyrhandir Primary School joined his fellow class mates on a trip recently to see children’s popular author Andy Briggs, as part of the Welsh Government’s ‘Every Child a Library Member’ (ECaLM) campaign.
He was so inspired by the event that he wrote a story after the event organised by the Powys Library Service.
Beth Williams, a literacy co-ordinator from Maesyrhandir Primary school, explained how pleased she was with the event she had attended with the school and the surprise she had the next day.
“Andy spoke in a way that connected with the pupils and really captured their imaginations whilst also having great fun.
“You can’t imagine how pleased I was the day after our fantastic afternoon, when Billy - a Year 5 pupil with a great imagination, but who is often reluctant to put pen to paper - brought in his story ‘The Iron Dog’ to share. I was speechless, it was obvious how much he had been inspired by the library event, especially to go home and to write straight away after school - all thanks to Andy.”
Over 4,200 pupils attended events with the author across the county encouraging year four pupils to join their local library.
“We wanted an author that could engage well with a young audience and show them how writing about adventure can be exciting and fun. As a library service, we want to inspire young people - to make them think “I would really like to do that,” said Children’s Librarian, Trish Thomas.
Andy Briggs, who is also a script writer, was in Cannes at the film festival that week when he heard about Billy. He was pleased to take the time to read the story and was impressed.
“Wow! Iron Dog! Love it. And I love the line “his great iron tongue came out” - Splitting it into chapters is genius - and “Looking for Nose” as a chapter header was brilliant - made me smile. Billy did a great job!”
Cllr Graham Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Library Services, said: “In Powys we want all children and young people to be supported to achieve their full potential.
“Libraries hold a unique position when it comes to supporting literacy needs to schools and parents as well as our children….and inspiration can go a long way to encourage literacy development.”
