CHILDREN at Welland Primary School were captivated by author Val Biro and the adventures of his car Gumdrop last week.

The writer visited the school last Thursday (October 3) and gave a talk to all 127 pupils on his series of children's books, which he writes and illustrates himself.

He also brought along the real Gumdrop, a classic 1926 Austin 12.

Mr Biro told stories and illustrated them with the younger children in the school, while the older pupils listened to a more detailed talk, explaining the process of writing and illustrating a book.

Pupils also sketched the real Gumdrop for a display to be mounted at the school.

Headteacher Gill Callaghan said that the children had thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"They were captivated by his stories and the way he told them," she said.

"It's great for them to meet a real author and find out about how they work."