AUTHOR Maggie Grimshaw, who recently released her debut novel Surf Over Sand, spoke to year seven and eight students at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy during a visit.

Mrs Grimshaw, who is originally from Darwen, talked about her experiences and took part in a question and answer session.

She stayed on after school to discuss her writing experience with the Young Writers’ Club and has offered to stay in touch with learning resource centre manager Janet McCarthy and her writing group.

Janet said: “The students were thrilled to have access to a published author and spent over an hour learning ways to use their life experiences to enhance their writing skills.”