YOUNGSTERS have proudly unveiled an anthology of their own stories.

Some 15 pupils at Larkmead School in Abingdon worked on the collection throughout the year in after-school sessions as part of the First Story scheme. The students worked with Oxford University Press to design the cover and create a title.

The pupils were coached by author Rebecca Abrams and the book was launched this week. She said: “It’s been a delight and a privilege to work with the Larkmead students this year and I’m really proud of what they’ve achieved.

“These are stories that many adult writers would be proud to have written.”

Natalie Cave, the school’s head of English, said: “With the ever-increasing pressure of exams and assessments, the students have enjoyed channelling their talents in a different outlet.”

Pupil Georgie Bartley, 15, said: “First Story has helped me with all aspects of my writing and helped me have exciting new experiences”

Miniver Mortimer, 15 said: “Having time to specifically write creatively was amazing and a good way to let go of what happened in the day.”