ONE of the country’s leading young writers is encouraging pupils to create their own stories inspired by the world around them.

Daniel Gray brought his Delights workshop to a group of Higher English students as part of a project by equalities charity Nil by Mouth, founded by former Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year Cara Henderson.

The session, at Duncanrig Secondary in East Kilbride, was designed to ensure people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to consider creative writing.

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Daniel said: “I get a real thrill from working with young people - their imaginations are inspiring. The pupils absolutely excelled themselves.”

Nil by Mouth Director Dave Scott said; “Duncanrig was the first high school in Scotland to win our Champions for Change award and it’s always a real pleasure to work with its pupils.

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“So much of our work focuses on the power of language and the use of words to demean or attack others. That is why we are investing in this programme which sees Daniel help young people find more positive ways of expressing themselves.We are very grateful to the Scottish Book Trust for helping fund this programme, and showing its commitment to building an open, tolerant society.”