A popular children's author has given a series of 'truly inspirational' presentations to pupils at three primary schools.

Helping to launch the National Young Writer Competition locally, Gracie Wright recently visited Grove, Oulton Broad and Northfield St Nicholas Primary Schools.

The well established and successful contest is promoted by Rotary International in Britain & Ireland (RIBI) to encourage young people to use their writing skills and write with imagination and creativity.

Annette Stringer, a member of Lowestoft East Point Rotary Club, recently arranged for Gracie Wright to visit the schools and speak about her Silly Eric brand of children's books.

A spokesman for the Rotary Club said: 'Her presentations were truly inspirational as she spoke about her life and work and helped to launch the Young Writer Competition by suggesting ways in which the children could improve their writing.

'Her visits were much appreciated by both staff and pupils.'

Afterwards, she signed books that were bought for the school libraries and by young and older individuals.

Miss Wright also read some of the children's writing and made encouraging comments.