Dorchester schoolchildren were thrilled to meet a top author whose award-winning books have been turned into Hollywood films.

The Thomas Hardye School welcomed British children's writer Cressida Cowell, known for the fantasy book series, How to Train Your Dragon.

While the visit was hosted at Thomas Hardye, pupils from the area first schools were invited to hear her talk and get their books signed.

The book signings were organised by the Dorchester Waterstones branch.

The author talked to students about her latest series Which Way to Anywhere, a story of magical powers and other worlds.

A spokesman for the school said: "The theatre was packed with over 300 seven to nine-year-olds from the local Dorchester first schools and the atmosphere was buzzing.

"Throughout all of this she inspired the students to be creative, always give things a try and to enjoy reading.

"Some Thomas Hardye students, who are super fans, also joined the morning and got to meet their childhood literary hero."

Staff said the author also spoke about her other book series' Wizards of Once and How to Train Your Dragon, explaining how it became a Hollywood movie.

How to Train Your Dragon has sold more than 11 million books worldwide in 38 languages and is a major DreamWorks Animation film franchise, as well as being made into a TV series on Netflix and CBBC.

The books are set in a Viking world which focuses on the experiences of protagonist Hiccup and his friendly dragon Toothless.

Ms Cowell was Waterstones' Children's Laureate from 2019-2022 and is said to be a huge advocate for libraries and the importance of reading for pleasure.

She is also an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust and the Reading Agency, a Trustee of World Book Day and a founder patron of the Children’s Media Foundation. She has won numerous prizes, including The Blue Peter Book Award.

Her latest book series Which Way to Anywhere, is centred around a group of children who find the crossing points to other worlds, with the next book due out in September.