Author arrives on horseback to open Lowca Primary School's new library

Helen Haraldsen was accompanied by her horse, Maddy to do the honours at Lowca Primary School.

She gave a talk on the school yard and told children about her journey to becoming an author and the animals that had inspired her to write her books.

Children choose a book to read from the new library (Image: Lowca Primary School)

After that, she cut the ribbon and revealed the new library to the pupils. Each class spent some time throughout the day enjoying the jungle atmosphere and exploring the range of new books.

Helen spent the rest of the day with the children completing workshops on how to write books, creating characters and ideas and the children had a chance to listen to her read some of her stories.

Helen Haraldsen reads to children at Lowca Primary School (Image: Lowca Primary School)

They have since written their own animal-inspired stories which will be published into a book and put pride of place in the new library.

Originally from Whitehaven, Helen spent her teenage years living in Lowca, where her parents still live. 

When she was contacted by Lowca Primary School and asked if she'd open their new library, Helen accepted and wanted to offer something a little bit different.

She said: "I write pony stories and my horses are kept at my parents' in Lowca, so I thought it would be a nice surprise for the pupils if I arrived at the school on horseback.

“It certainly made an impression on the pupils and Maddy was very well-behaved, considering it was her first time going to school!"