There are no girls allowed at a new book club that has been started near Norwich.

Norfolk author Simon Scarrow joined young bookworms on Saturday for the first meeting of the Boys' Book Club at Poringland Library.

With their enthusiasm for authors like Arthur Ransome and Rick Riordan, and also for writing their own stories, the members certainly challenged the stereotype that boys do not think reading is cool.

Thomas Musgrove, 12, from Shotesham, said: 'I really like reading. I am also trying to write my own books.

'The book club is great because you can talk with people with similar interests. It annoys me when people say boys don't like reading.'

Tom Nott, 11, from Shotesham, said: 'People are missing so much if they don't read. I love reading because it gets my imagination going. I think quite a few boys do read but keep it secret because they think it's uncool.

'I hope the club will introduce me to new books.'

Mr Scarrow talked to the boys about different authors, creating stories, and his book Gladiator: Fight for Freedom.

He said: 'It was great to hear the boys are such avid readers and are also thinking about writing.

'Boys' book clubs could be the way forward to making books cool for boys. It would be great to have more of them.'

• The Boys' Book Club will meet on the first Saturday of every month from 10am until 11am.

Book Buddies, the girls' club that has been running since September, meets on the first Friday of every month from 3.30pm until 4.30pm. For more information call Poringland Library on 01508 494891.

• Do you have a story for the Evening News? Call Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk