A DAY dedicated to libraries was marked at Coombeshead Academy with a special visit from a local author.

Luisa Plaja visited the Newton Abbot academy to celebrate National Libraries Day.

Luisa, an author of four books for young adults, headed a creative writing workshop for a class of year seven students.

She helped budding writers craft plots and form characters for their own stories.

The students were very enthusiastic and several stayed in the library at break and lunchtime to finish their stories.

Student Maddy Taylor said: "It was great. We got lots of ideas to help us improve our writing."

Luisa said: "The students were very imaginative. It was really inspiring working with them."

Librarian Carol Thompson said: "We wanted to do something special to mark National Libraries Day.

"Having an author in school raises the profile of reading and is a lasting inspiration for the students."