SCHOOL pupils in Ryedale are being invited to meet former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo, when he visits Malton later this year.

The author of War Horse will be taking part the Ryedale Book Festival and as part of the event, local pupils will have the opportunity to hear the Michael Mr Morpurgo speak about his life as a writer and to ask him questions The talk is partly funded by a literature grant that the book festival, which takes place on October 11 to 12, was awarded by the Clore Duffield Foundation last year to organise a First World War Centenary Literacy Project.

Festival co-ordinator Sarah Tyson said it was always her ambition to try to persuade Michael to come to Ryedale as she was aware of his popularity among young readers.

“The book festival is fortunate to have been successful in its grant application as competition was fierce – only 14 organisations in the country were selected for a grant last year,” she said.

“Michael is very much in demand, especially during this First World War anniversary year and we are proud to be able to offer Ryedale children the opportunity to meet him. Most Ryedale schools are too small to be able to attract, or afford an author of this quality and popularity and we hope that the schools take advantage of this exciting opportunity to work with us.”

Any school in Ryedale that is interested in taking part in this project is invited to send a representative to a meeting at The Worsley Arms, Hovingham, on Monday, May 12, 4pm to 5pm.

Sarah added: “Schools who come to the meeting will be guaranteed a place and as these will be limited, schools really should try to attend to avoid disappointment.”

For more information email tele.mark@sky.com

Tickets for the Ryedale Book Festival, including the Private Peaceful performance by Michael Morpurgo, will go on sale later this year.

Anyone interested is invited To join the mailing email mail@ryedalebookfestival.com or visit ryedalebookfestival.com for more information.