AN award-winning screen writer and author has brought his books to life for hundreds of children at an Oldham school.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce, a children's novelist who won the Carnegie Medal for his first book Millions and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize for his book The Unforgotten Coat, dropped in to meet children at Northmoor Academy, which is part of The Harmony Trust, last month.

On Thursday, May 26, Year 5 children from all 15 Harmony Trust academies came together to meet the author at the Alderson Street school with Derby academy students joining live from their classrooms.

In total, around 750 children were able to listen Frank discuss his novels, including his new book Noah’s Gold, and all the children were gifted a signed copied of one of Frank’s books.

Discussing the event, Mahir from Northmoor Academy said: “It was the best thing ever. Frank has the best stories.”

Eshan followed up with: “It was like a new world for me. I loved how Frank read to us the stories. The best parts were the stories.”

The event was organised by the Harmony Trust and the Chadderton based book sellers Madeleine Lindley.

Commenting on the event, Jessica Hainsworth, director of education and co-founder of the Harmony Trust’s ‘Read, Achieve, Succeed’ Strategy said: “At the heart of Read, Achieve, Succeed is a commitment to all children that they will develop the skill of reading for both pleasure and purpose.

“Harmony author events bring reading to life for our children. Frank is an inspirational writer responsible for a wealth of high-quality children’s literature.

“We are delighted that he agreed to come and work with so many of our children today. We would like to thank Madeleine Lindley as our strategic partner for making this event possible.”

Frank Cottrell Boyce’s book Millions was made into a film by Danny Boyle, for whom Frank went on to work as the writer on the London Olympics Opening Ceremony, 2012.

Frank’s other books include Framed, which was filmed by the BBC, Cosmic and The Astounding Broccoli Boy.

The author also wrote the three official sequels to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and his films include 24 Hour Party People, God on Trial and Hilary and Jackie.

Frank’s short work, The Great Rocket Robbery, was published for World Book Day in 2019 and his latest novel, Runaway Robot, was published by Macmillan in May 2019.