THE award-winning author Alan Gibbons visited Monmouth School library and gave an entertaining talk to the form II and form III pupils about his life and inspirations.

Alan won over his audience with his openness and irreverence. The talks culminated in a lively question and answer session. During the lunch break, a large number of pupils attended a workshop on creative writing, and staff received a number of positive comments from the boys.

Monmouth School librarian, Judith Anderton, said, "We have identified a number of budding authors in the school, who were encouraged and helped by Mr Gibbons during a very structured session, and as a result produced some exceptionally well-written horror stories in a very short time."