A BEST-SELLING American author paid a visit to Christopher Whitehead High School students to answer questions from eager fans.

Jerry Spinelli chatted to Year 7 and 8 pupils during an hour-long visit to the Bromwich Road school on Monday.

"Jerry Spinelli held the children mesmerised with his stories. They were absolutely spellbound," said Clare Marsh, the manager of the school's Learning Resource Centre.

"We are very grateful to Julie Benqwitz of Worcestershire Children's Book Group and David Blanch of Carousel Guide to Children's Books, who made the whole thing possible."

Mr Spinelli has written more than 30 books, during his career and has won the Newbery Medal for literature.