CHILDREN'S writer Anne Fine was impressed by the creative talents of pupils from five schools when they entertained her in a tiny chapel.

The award-winning author spoke about her own ability to make up stories after watching the children dancing, singing, playing music and putting on displays in the chapel at Newbiggin, in upper Teesdale.

The theme of the event was creativity, and Ms Fine pointed out that this can come more easily to anyone when they really enjoy what they are doing.

The event was organised by the Green Explorers, a group set up to promote life skills, training and activities for young people with special needs in the rural area.

Ms Fine revealed that the idea for one of her books, Design a Pram, came from a newspaper article about the different results produced by boys and girls when they were asked to draw up plans for a baby carriage.

Pupils of Forest School performed an African dance, and those from Cotherstone School played recorders.

Violin and tenor horn solos were given by Barnard Castle and Staindrop pupils, while Middleton children put on a science display.