A GREENOCK author has been booked to take on a key role promoting literature at Inverclyde Academy.

Successful children’s writer Cathy MacPhail will work with second year pupils during 10 free residency sessions.

Children will explore identity and place and create a selection of short stories around these themes.

Cathy, who’s seen her titles turned into films, said: “I want to inspire pupils to enjoy reading and writing, and to help them free the wonderful imaginations they have locked in their heads.”

Susan Morton, the school librarian, says it will be ‘wonderful to have Cathy’s input and support’.

She added: “It will be very interesting to see what stories our pupils come up with under her expert guidance.

“We’re really looking forward to starting our project.”

The sessions are part of the Scottish Book Trust’s Live Literature School Residency Programme in 2016-17.

The fully-funded author residency is designed to encourage a love of reading and writing and have a lasting impact on the pupils.

Education convener Councillor Terry Loughran said: “This is a fantastic initiative and I’m delighted Inverclyde Academy will benefit for this.

“The Scottish Book Trust are to be congratulated on this exciting project and it is particularly welcome that local author Catherine MacPhail will be the author in this residency at Inverclyde Academy.”

When it is finished Inverclyde Academy’s project will be showcased on the Scottish Book Trust’s website.