YOUNGSTERS from across Exmoor got creative this week with a special workshop with children's author Sue Purkiss.

Selected children from Dunster First School, Minehead Middle School, St Dubricius First School and St Michael's First School, which make up the Exmoor Coast Federation, took part in the day at Dunster First School on Tuesday.

Sue has written a number of children's books and the focus of the day was, The Willow Man, a story about the sculpture of the willow man that can be seen between junctions 23 and 24 on the M5 motorway outside Bridgwater.

Children were given the book to read before the event, and some bought them on the day to be signed.

Youngsters listened to Sue read excerpts from her book and were able to ask her questions about the book and her work as an author.

The session was part of a series of Gifted and Talented workshops that have been organised by the Exmoor Coast Federation.

Peter Hoyland, executive head teacher of the Exmoor Coast Federation said: "This was a wonderful opportunity for some of the children from schools within the Exmoor Coast Federation to work with a critically acclaimed children's author.

"The fact that they had all had an opportunity to read her book before meeting her gave the day a very clear focus. Hopefully the day will inspire the children to not only read more but also to have a go at writing their own stories."

Pictured from left is Charlotte Jennings, Porlock School and Toby Carroll, Minehead Middle School, with author Sue Purkiss and Jodie Crosby, St Michaels School and Thomas Willis from Dunster school.