THE Lord Mayor of Bradford has been celebrating the talents of young writers and poets at book launches in two Bradford schools.

Cllr Geoff Reid and wife Chris, the Lady Mayoress, have visited Belle Vue Girls’ and Grange Technology College, which have both been taking part in a project aimed at encouraging literacy in schools serving deprived areas.

The First Story Project is currently working with six of the district's schools to help young people find their voice through creative writing and poetry.

Those taking part get to see their work in print in the form of a specially produced book.

At Belle Vue Girls’ School, pupils have been working with 'writer in residence' Emily Diamand.

Teacher Ruth Britton said: "The students have produced many pieces of poetry and some of the extracts are actually from the novels they have written.

"The students have worked incredibly hard and produced work of a very high standard. The First Story Project has also had a positive impact on achievement in the students’ English results."

Grange Technology College’s 'writer in residence' is Donavan Christopher.

The school’s learning resource manager, Nicola Koch-Osborne, said: "It has been fantastic to see the students working with a professional writer and developing their poetry.

"This has had a positive impact on their literacy, as well as improving their wider communication skills and self-confidence.

"Donavan has been a real inspiration to the group throughout the project and we are delighted that their work will be documented in the form of a published book, thanks to First Story."