Jacqueline Wilson gives advice to children on how to deal with social media

The award-winning writer of more than 100 books which have sold over 40 million copies altogether has helped generations of people discover a love of reading.

So when Ridgeway School in Wroughton invited her to visit, they gave some lucky Year 7s the chance to meet Jacqueline one-on-one and ask questions.

After giving a talk to the entire year group about her career and her new book Project Fairy, she admired the artwork created by 15 students who had won a competition to make alternative covers for her books.

Smiles all round as Ridgeway School students meet Dame Jacqueline Wilson (Image: Newsquest)

She called the illustrations "astonishing" and "very well done", and praised the detail and creativity of each lucky winner's effort.

Evie said: "I asked her if she ever got writer's block and how do you put it behind you. She said she doesn't get it often but when she does, she goes for a walk with her dog and that clears her head.

"I did a cover for My Sister Jodie. I would like to write my own books one day."

The celebrated children’s author was impressed by pupil’s (Image: Newsquest)

Once the happy youngsters had walked away with autographs and encouraging feedback, staff queued up to have a few of their books signed too.

Dame Jacqueline told the Adver: "I've had a lovely time. I'm a veteran of going round schools but this one is a gold-star: lovely welcome, super teachers, and fantastic children.

"Everybody seems to enjoy being here, there's a relaxed atmosphere and yet it's clear there's no-one playing up or being difficult.

"It's the sort of school I would have wanted my daughter to go to when she was younger."

The colourful creations from creative boys and girls put a smile on the writer's face.

Students had their illustrations and books signed (Image: Newsquest)

She added: "Lots of children tend to copy the existing illustrations but these drawings impressed me because the pupils put their own ideas into them and their own spin on them.

"It's still very important for authors to come into schools. I talk about some of the issues in my books but keep it light-hearted with some funny bits.

"One question asked how I feel when I read bad things about myself, so I spoke about trying not to care too much about comments on social media, though it is difficult - I'm glad I didn't grow up with it.

"It's heartwarming that, although my newer books reflect modern times, people still like reading the ones I wrote a long time ago, it makes me very pleased and proud."

Ridgeway School librarians Sarah Day and Sarah-Kate Tonkin organised the visit after noticing Jacqueline would be in the area to speak at the Marlborough Literature Festival on Friday evening.

Sarah Day said: "The talk was a fascinating insight into someone who understands children - what makes them tick, what they want to read, and the dilemmas they have as young adults."

Lots of signed copies have now been added to the school's library.

Ridgeway students with two of the winning illustrations (Image: Ridgeway School)

Principal Adrian Cush said: "I'm delighted to have Jacqueline Wilson here, you can see by the looks on the children's faces how much it means to them.

"We want to inspire all our students to have the freedom to be creative. This visit is part of our 'super-curriculum' which is about inspiring beyond the classroom."

It wasn’t just the pupils who were excited about Dame Jacqueline’s visit (Image: Newsquest)

Swindon has a youth literature festival entirely dedicated to books for children and young adults, which is returning in November with an array of events and talks.

Ms Wilson added: "Oh, perhaps in the future I might go along."