Sir Lenny Henry visited an Oldham school to speak about reading, writing, and his journey to becoming an author.

Nearly 300 Year 4 children from five Oldham schools heard the comedian and author speak and read excerpts from his novel ‘The Boy With Wings’.

Sir Lenny visited Northmoor Academy in Oldham, and the pupils were able to ask him a wide variety of questions.

The writing process, Comic Relief, Sir Lenny’s books and his heritage all came up in the pupil’s questions.

Jammie Dodgers are the secret ingredient in the writing process, according to Sir Lenny.

The comedian and author shared that reading was his ‘best friend’ as a child, and credited his Auntie Pearl with kindling his love for literature, through their library visits.

The pupils also had the chance to collaborate with Sir Lenny.

Together they created a story about a boy named Joe, who has superhero powers and lives underwater.

The Oldham Times:

Jessica Hainsworth, Director of Education for The Harmony Trust, said: “The children had a fantastic time at the session.

“Listening to Sir Lenny Henry’s description of his relationship with reading and writing has inspired our children to want to write more.”

Sir Lenny received a rapturous reception from the schoolchildren. Madeeha, a student at Greenhill Academy, said: “I liked him as he was very funny.”

Musa, also a Greenhill Academy pupil, said: “I liked that we found out what inspired Lenny to write his books.”

The five schools treated to Sir Lenny’s talk are part of the Harmony Trust academies, which operate across Oldham, Tameside and Derby.

Sir Lenny’s visit was part of The Harmony Trust’s ‘Read, Achieve, Succeed’ strategy, and was organised with the Chadderton booksellers Madeleine Lindley.

Rachelle Carter from Madeleine Lindley commented: “We were delighted to work with The Harmony Trust to bring another author to visit the children, especially one as inspirational as Sir Lenny Henry.

“We know that visiting authors add another dimension to reading for children.”