David Mason, a performance poet, author and specialist English teacher, last week put on a class act at Urchfont Primary School.

Mr Mason has developed a reputation for significantly raising standards in writing and has been sharing the secrets of his success with pupils and teachers through his workshops with schools.

During his two-day visit, all the pupils worked with him.

He uses various techniques to inspire children’s writing, including drama to enact their stories as they are being written. As Mr Mason told the story, the children acted out the parts.

Head teacher Carol Talbot said: “The children and staff were inspired and excited by the visit and even parents got involved by attending an evening workshop.

“The school is enthusiastically following the ideas introduced by David’s visit.”