Children get chance to talk rhubarb with local author

He was at The Ridings Shopping Centre, in the city, to inspire schoolchildren to put pen to paper and create poems and short stories inspired by the city’s famous produce - rhubarb.

The team at the shopping centre transformed a unit at the centre to play host to Mr Clayton and his writing workshop aimed at Year 6 pupils from local primary schools.

The pupils, aged ten and eleven, got the chance to work with Mr Clayton, who offered tips which helped them shape a piece of creative writing linked to the Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb.

The work developed at the sessions, who took place during Tuesday and yesterday, will then go on display at the shopping centre during the festival which takes place on February 24, 25 and 26.

Mr Clayton said: “I was flabbergasted by the quality of the work.

“There must be something in the water in Wakefield that nourishes great writers.”

Wakefield is famous for its rhubarb production. Coun David Dagger, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for culture, said: “I hope everyone will come and join us as we celebrate Wakefield’s rhubarb heritage.”