SCHOOLCHILDREN were entertained by stories from a Darlington builder-turned-writer.

Bill Stenson, also a Darlington Conservative councillor, was the guest of honour at Cockerton C of E Primary School, in Newton Lane.

He told children about the writing of his autobiography Night Owl, which was published a year ago and has already sold more than 900 copies.

The title was taken from decades of being the man called out at night to repair broken windows across the region.

Councillor Stenson, who is a governor at the school and answered questions from year six pupils, said: "It is important to do this kind of thing to encourage children with their writing."

Headteacher Chris Metcalfe said: "It is incredibly important for children to meet writers. It makes it real for them and helps them with their writing.

"One of the subjects the year six pupils study is autobiography so it is good for them to meet someone who has written one."

Night Owl can be obtained from outlets in Darlington town centre, including Ottakar's in the Cornmill Centre, and the Book Cellar, in the Market Place.