PUPILS at Appleton Academy have been left feeling "inspired" thanks to a talk from Coronation Street actor and fellow Bradfordian George Layton.

The actor and author spoke fondly of his school days at Belle Vue Boys' Grammar School, Lister Park and growing up in Manningham - something that the librarian said helped make him relatable.

Children from the year six listened to a reading from The Fib - a short story about a young boy who lied to his bullies about his uncle being football legend Bobby Charlton.

Layton has written three fictional short story books, entitled The Fib and Other Stories, The Swap and Other Stories and The Trick and Other Stories.

The tales describe family life in the North of England in the post-Second World War era.

The books have been part of the National Curriculum in British schools, and film versions are in the works.

Gill Parr, the library manager at Appleton Academy, said: "They've been studying Post-War Britain.

"He comes from Bradford, it makes it more relevant.

"It's inspiring for them to see somebody talk about places they know about.

"Some of them had made little notebooks.

"What he was very keen for them to understand: a lot of it was what he doesn't actually say.

"It's what he infers.

"They can get more out of the story.

"It's about what's not said in the story so understanding hidden meaning.

"We've had some parents in as well.

"It's ongoing throughout the year."

And this is all part of helping parents pass on reading and literacy skills to children, the library manager said.

Gill said: "They can understand what the children are doing in class.

"Reading is something you can share."

The children, who were quite enamoured by the writer and his teachings, later purchased books signed by the author.

It's the second author talk of the week for Appleby Academy after another Yorkshire writer met younger pupils.

Book lover Gill said the events are all about making sure children have local rolemodels who give them a "sense of pride" about being from Bradford, as well as finding enjoyment through books.

Despite living in London, Gill said the author was more than happy to come home.

Explaining the purpose of the sessions, she said: "Just a sense of pride in where they come from. George is part of Bradford and he gave them their sense of pride."