A SWASHBUCKLING good time was had by all when author Gareth P Jones opened Colebrook Junior School’s new library.

And the writer of the Steampunk Pirates series was fittingly dressed for the occasion yesterday, when he cut the ribbon at the new facility.

Gareth said: “It has been lovely to be here today. I think it is so important that schools have space for a library where children can discover so many great stories.

“Books are great and I also wanted to emphasise to the pupils the importance of developing stories and enjoying them, whether that is through books, computer games or going to the cinema.”

The author held a series of workshops throughout the day, leading a question and answer session as well as playing the accordion.

He did this to explain how he works on soundtracks to accompanying his writing.

Children from the school, in Towcester Road, really enjoyed the author’s visit.

Year 11 pupil William Page, 11, said: “It is really cool to see people come to the school and talk to us about their writing. I really like the new library too, it is much better than the old one.”

Fellow Year 11 pupil Felicity Tilley said: “I’ve really enjoyed the author’s visit and it is great to get tips about improving our writing.”

Colebrook Junior School’s new library is in a former ICT classroom.

Headteacher Nikki Scully said: “We are thrilled with our new library. It reflects the high value we place on reading in our school. The children played an active role in selecting books they would like to read at a recent trip to Waterstone’s.

“We have opened the door to our new library so that the children can open the limitless doors to a world of imagination.”

Gareth also talked to the children about his work planning for his latest Steampunk Pirates adventure, giving them a chance to come up with ideas.

He said: “During a previous school visit I asked the group for help with my Ninja Meerkats series.

“I wanted to get a name for this Ninja move and this boy came up with a list and I took his idea of ‘10 fists’ from it to make a move which I called the ‘10 fists of fury’. I then sent him a book.”