TOP figures in children's literature have helped spark the creativity of children at a Bradford primary school.

Cavendish Primary School, in Eccleshill, invited illustrator Liz Million and Author Mark Lowrey to the school at the end of their spring term to take part in assemblies and workshops with the children as part of the school's "Authors and Illustrators" themed week.

The aim of the week was to get children excited about both art and writing, with figures from the publishing world offering lessons that were a bit different than those they usually take part in in school. And staff hope that the visits will help inspire some of the more "reluctant writers" in the school to start coming up with their own story ideas.

Darlington born Mrs Million is best known for her work as an illustrator of books like One Fat Cat, the Not So Silly Sausage and Be Quiet Belinda. She also travels round the country and holds workshops to inspire young children. She said she "thoroughly enjoyed" her visit to the school.

Mr Lowrey, a former teacher in Leeds, has written books including Socks Are Not Enough and The Chicken Nugget Ambush.

The writer said: "We got the kids to write about a deadly donut that could ruin their lives. It was based on my book The Jam Donut That Ruined my Life.

"I gave the children a talk on writing and how you go from having a bit of an idea all the way to writing a full story. I gave them an idea and they ran with it.

"They just started with the idea of a donut that could ruin a life and they came up with ideas. They were coming up with things like donuts that grew arms and legs and one that opened a portal.

"I was making my way around all the classes offering a few tips. Some of the classes and children really ran with the idea.

"The hope is this really helps children get more enthusiastic about writing. Some children have a real difficulty with writing, and build up barriers that stop them from doing it. Sometimes they just don't want to write.

"Sometimes visits like this can be a bit different for them, and it can be a bit better at getting them writing.

"I teach as well so I see this all the time. Some children can be reluctant writers but they just need to be encouraged.

"When you go into the schools like this the children always have a great time."

Head Noreen Dunn said: "Liz and Mark delivered interactive assemblies, creative writing and drawing workshops and offered tips to enhance children's writing skills. The talks were fun, lively and inspiring and the children thoroughly enjoyed their visits."

Bradford is in the middle of a major push to get more young people reading. The Bradford Literacy Campaign has seen different organisations, including the National Literacy Trust, local sports teams and Bradford Council, working with schools and libraries to improve literacy levels in the district.

Projects include getting more fathers or male relatives to read to children and providing strong male role models who can help get more young boys to pick up a book. The campaign has seen sports stars like boxer Tasif Khan and Bradford City striker James Hanson get involved.

And next month's Bradford Literature Festival will include numerous events in school and involving young people.