A BOLTON author returned to her hometown for a book signing for her debut novel and had two surprise visitors.

Joanna Barnard travelled up from her home in Surrey to sign copies of Precocious at Waterstones in Bolton town centre — and two former teachers from Mount St Joseph came to congratulate her after seeing her story in The Bolton News.

Ms Barnard, aged 39, secured a two-book deal after winning a prestigious award last year.

Her first novel explores the dynamics of a teacher-pupil relationship years down the line when the pair meet up later in life.

Ms Barnard said: "It was great to catch up with some old friends and hear a nice, familiar accent.

"I couldn't believe it when my old head came to see me with another teacher though. The said they'd seen in the paper I was visiting so came to ask me about my story.

"They even bought a copy of my book, it was so lovely of them. They were really pleased for me."