CELEBRATED author Michael Morpurgo took to the stage for a unique event with hundreds of local schoolchildren as part of the annual Ryedale Book Festival.

The former children's laureate and award-winning writer of books including War Horse, spoke to an audience of pupils in the Milton Rooms in Malton, while other children watched via a live broadcast to their schools.

Michael, who also gave a musical performance of Private Peaceful on Sunday, said it had been a delight to attend the Ryedale Book Festival.

"I wanted to come to the festival because I was impressed by the whole vision and enthusiasm of those involved," he added.

"Books are a very important part of all our lives and this has helped promote that to people of all ages."

Michael said: "The organisers have worked their socks of to make this festival happen and the local community should be really grateful to them as it brings visitors in and benefits the businesses in the area as well. I hope the Ryedale Book Festival goes on and on."

The weekend of events also included craft, music and drama workshops, storytelling and a book fair, open mic sessions and displays detailing school outreach work.

Festival co-ordinator Sarah Tyson said it had been a fantastic weekend.

"The authors, guests and all the performers left Ryedale singing its praises and were very appreciative of the warm welcome they had received," she added.

"We are a young festival but we hope to build year on year in terms of what we do and what we achieve."

Sarah said she was delighted that 27 schools from across Ryedale had taken part in the event with Michael Morpurgo and thanked Jeremy Powell from the Palace Cinema in Malton for making the broadcast possible.

"It was and incredible opportunity for the children who may not ordinarily get to a big established literary event to see such an amazing author," she added.

"I feel very honoured and very proud of all the people and helpers who have made the weekend the success it has been."