The prolific author of more than 170 children’s books inspired pupils in Woodford Green with a visit yesterday.

Jean Ure, who has penned kids’ favourites including Love and Kisses, Fortune Cookie and the Frankie Foster series of books, shared her expertise with students at Bancroft’s School in High Road.

In a talk for year 7 pupils, she divulged some secrets of her writing talent and talked about two books in particular, Ice Lolly and Star Crazy Me.

She was enthusiastically quizzed by the children during a Q&A session and signed copies of both books for pupils as well.

Librarian Kate Squire said that, along with Jacqueline Wilson, Jean is one of the most read authors at the school with about 15 titles in the library.

She said: “[Jean] talked about how she takes people she meets and interesting situations and looks at it as an idea for a book.

“The children had lots of questions for her.”