TWO schools and more than 800 pupils visited Ancient Greece through the imagination of an award-winning author.

Michelle Paver, nicknamed the Goddess of Adventure and the international bestselling author of The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, visited RGS Worcester and King’s School Worcester where 820 pupils listened intently to her talk about writing, inspirations and research for both this and her brand new series – Gods and Warriors.

RGS English teacher Nick Phillips, who co-ordinated the visit, said that it was a tremendous success.

“It was wonderful to see so many children listening with rapt attention to somebody talk about storytelling and the values of imaginative literature,” he said.

“It was a delight to see so many pupils go away clutching books which they were looking forward to reading.

“I am sure that many will have been inspired by Michelle to write their own stories.”

Annabelle Jeffery, librarian at the King’s School Worcester, said many of the children were already fans of the author’s first series and she inspired many more with her talk.

She said: “It was enthralling to hear of her first-hand experiences whilst researching her novels, from swimming with wild dolphins to visiting an active volcano.

“The children came away having learned how to make twine from nettles, how to fit a flint axe, and various uses for all of the different body parts of a rabbit!”

“Many children queued in College Hall very patiently for dedicated books, and Michelle spoke to each and every one of them.”

The purpose of the event was to nurture and build upon the extensive love of reading and writing which many pupils at the schools already have.