STUDENTS at a Bradford school have published an anthology of original poems and short stories after working alongside a professional writer for a year.

The pupils at Bradford Academy have now become published authors and the work was celebrated at a special event held at the Teasdale Street school, where there were readings from the anthology, called A Thousand Words Under a Lid.

The initiative was brought to the school by charity First Story, which gave the students access to a writer on a weekly basis. They also went on trips to Cambridge and Huddersfield universities to meet other young writers.

Kayleigh Marsden, teacher of English at Bradford Academy, said: "First Story has provided a wonderful opportunity for learners within the Academy to develop their creative writing.

"The learners have grown over the year both in confidence and ability in order to produce their final anthology. During a literacy festival at Oxford University, one of our students, Seren Robb, 15, performed some of her original work in front of 400 people – an astounding feat for anyone, let alone for someone so young."

The seven young writers ranged from year eight to post-16.

Mohammad Talha Ahmed, 17, said: "The opportunity has developed my A-Level writing skills and looks amazing on my personal statement for university."