Writer Jean McNeil (centre) with Woodside High school pupils. Pic: Tony Gay.

Budding young writers from Woodside High School show off their first published book with author Jean McNeil.

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The book, titled ‘Blink of an Eye’, is a collection of short stories written by Year 9 and 10 pupils at the school and edited by Ms McNeil, an author of 10 fiction and travel books.

Woodside, in White Hart Lane, Wood Green, is one of only 23 schools nationwide to have taken part in the first year of the new writing project, organised by literary charity group First Story.

Under the project, which is now in its second year, Ms McNeil tutored pupils as the charity’s designated writer-in-residence at Woodside.

Deputy headteacher Elma McElligott said: “She inspired the kids to do their own creative writing. It really has had an effect on the quality of work they are producing for their GCSEs.”

At a special evening to launch the book, held at the school on January 20, pupils read extracts from their stories to an audience of parents, governors and fellow pupils.

Ms McElligott added: “It was really inspiring to hear the students reading out their work. All the people present wanted the children to sign their books!”