Broadcaster and author Dermot O'Leary inspired more than 500 children at a special event held ahead of World Book Day at Oswestry School.
The event was organized in collaboration with the local Booka book shop. Store manager Carrie Morris revealed the planning took nine months and involved ten different schools.
O'Leary, best known for his 'Toto the Ninja Cat' book series, spoke about his life and writing. "If you can just entertain a kid and that kid walks away thinking about maybe writing, reading or drawing then you've done your job," he said.
He joked that while children might forget his name, he hoped his enthusiasm for storytelling would leave a lasting impression. Morris emphasized the value of such real-life encounters, stating they can drive children towards books in powerful ways.
O'Leary shared his own childhood memory of a visiting theatre group, highlighting the impact of in-person inspiration. The event concluded with a drawing session and a lively Q&A, creating a "lovely buzz of excited chatter" among the young attendees.