A Lakes author met the talent of the future during the opening of a new learning centre in 2006.

Pupils at Barrow's Thorncliffe School received a literary treat when popular Coniston author Gareth Thompson visited to inspire children to write.

Mr Thompson took time out from writing his second novel to open the school's new learning centre.

Cutting the ribbon, he said: "This learning centre looks like a really vibrant place for either browsing on your own or working in groups."

Addressing the Year Nine pupils, Mr Thompson added: "I know a lot of young people like using things like My Space, looking into the lives of complete strangers and finding out about them.

"Books are all about that, about peering into lives of complete strangers and looking at different characters."

And he added: "Through reading you learn to get a love of language and a feel for words."

Mr Thompson spent the afternoon with 60 Year Nine pupils, telling them about where he gets his ideas and how he develops his books.

His debut novel, The Great Harlequin Grim, was the first in a series of four books set in Cumbria.

The visit was organised by the school's learning centre coordinator, Linda McCaffrey, to encourage an interest in reading.

The school was also promoting reading champions, male role models within the school, to get boys more interested in books.

Mrs McCaffrey said: "In September we started using staff a positive male role models.

"One of the members of staff, Mr Duffield, who is interested in weightlifting, was photographed reading with a dumb-bell. This encouraged Year 11 pupils to come and ask if they could be reading champions.

"Our Year 11 reading champions will be working with Year Seven and Eight pupils at register time and in the library to act as reading mentors."

Back in July 1994, The Mail was on hand to record Thorncliffe School's annual sports day.

The track events proved to be a real success with pupils from every year competing with pride and vigour.