CHILDREN'S author Allan Ahlberg met up with a former friend from his own school days when he visited Ashton-under-Hill First School last Thursday.

The internationally-renowned author was at school with Anne Savage, head teacher at the village school, and they have kept in touch ever since.

He made one his rare school visits in Mrs Savage's last year at the school before her retirement.

Deputy head Matthew Higgins said: "Mr Ahlberg shared stories with the children and they really enjoyed his visit."

Before he left, Mr Ahlberg presented books to each class as a memento of his visit.