A top author shared his tips for success with youngsters at a Tendring school.

Award-winning Alan Gibbons, whose books have sold more than two million copies, spoke to year nine and ten pupils at Harwich and Dovercourt High School.

The former teacher spoke about how his childhood and music from the era influenced his writing.

His latest book, Hate, is based on the true story of a Goth girl who was murdered because of the way she dressed.

Andrew Dace, the school’s library manager, said: “He was very entertaining and there were a lot of humorous stories, and the children were very interested in what he had to say.

“The talk, especially when he spoke about his newst book, was really thought-provoking and went down very well with the pupils.

“It is a really positive thing to get people into the school to speak to the students, especially when you can show them people who have had successful careers.

“Mr Gibbons said he was not particularly academic at school but went on to do well, so he can form a good role model.”