YOUNG writers received top tips from a leading author.

Caroline Lawrence of the popular Roman Mysteries series of books was in Bolton School offering advice on creating characters and plots.

The writer opened the session with three recitations in ancient languages: the Iliad in Ancient Greek, the Lord’s Prayer in Latin, and the opening of Genesis in Hebrew.

She told pupils how “books can change your life” and talked about reading The Last of the Wine by Mary Renault, set in Classical Greece, which sparked her life-long interest in classics.

Caroline discussed her inspirations for the Roman Mysteries series, which she said she first envisaged as “Nancy Drew in Roman times”.

A Bolton School spokesman said: “At the end of the talk, pupils were able to buy copies of Caroline’s books and have them signed by the author.

“Caroline’s fascinating and informative talk not only gave lots of historical information about the Classical world, but also provided lots of tips for aspiring writers, as well as inspiring all of the pupils to try reading one of her exciting mysteries set in the Classical world.”