A MOTIVATIONAL speaker and author has inspired his young fans to cut back on their screen time and do more reading.

The primary school pupils at Newbarns School, Barrow, were treated to a visit from best-selling children's author Andy Cope this week.

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Mr Cope spent a full morning with the Year Six class teaching them about his theory for the Art of Brilliance, which is the base for his motivation and positive psychology business.

Gary Birkett, headteacher at Newbarns School, said: "The children were really excited to meet Andy as many of them have read the books in his Spy Dogs series.

"At Newbarns we are all about encouraging children to become happy, well rounded individuals and it was great for them to hear similar things from Andy, who is not a teacher, but somebody fun."

One of the things that Mr Cope discussed with the children was how to transfer love and to try to watch less television and play less computer games at home.

Mr Birkett said: "Andy told the children that, when they give a hug, to try and hold somebody for seven seconds rather than letting go too soon because it makes people feel more loved. Many of them went home and gave their parents extra hugs that evening.

"I also saw some of the children out in the playground reading their books the next morning so they have really taken on board what Andy said about reading instead of spending time in front of a screen too."

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