Storytelling with a difference was on the agenda for a group of pupils when they were visited by one of the leaders of a writing scheme for teachers.

Simon Wrigley set up the National Writing Group as a not-for-profit research project which aims to explore what happens when teachers gather to tell stories.

During a visit to Harleston Primary School Mr Wrigley worked with 26 reception pupils who explored a Chinese myth and the tale of the Three Little Pigs.

This came about after reception teacher Rebecca Griffiths, who is studying for an MA at the University of East Anglia, met Mr Wrigley through a reading group in London.

'It's great for them to have a male role model telling stories,' she said. 'It's not why he's here, but it's a factor and I think for me as a teacher it's great to see how someone else tells a story so I can learn and become a better teacher and storyteller. It's been brilliant and all the children were encouraged and wanted to take part in the discussions.'

Mr Wrigley, who is based at the British Museum, encouraged the children to work with props, real and imaginary, in a bid to expand their creativity.

Headteacher Roger Walsh added: 'Starting children off thinking about storytelling at an early age is every school's goal and getting high-quality writing is something we're keen to do.

'They always respond that little bit extra to new stimuli and when it's a new and special person they tend to engage that little bit more.'