CHILDREN’S Laureate Malorie Blackman met with Lewisham and Bromley pupils at a book signing event held at Downham Library last week.

The Lewisham-raised writer answered the questions of around 130 students from Bonus Pastor Catholic College and Haberdashers' Aske's Knights Academy at the literary day on July 8.

Ms Blackman is the bestselling author of the highly acclaimed Noughts & Crosses teen series and signed copies of her newest release Noble Conflict.

She was crowned Children’s Laureate – awarded to eminent children’s authors or illustrators - last month and pledged to defend local libraries while in the post until 2015.

Speaking about her appointment, Ms Blackman said: “I am honoured to have been chosen as the eighth Children's Laureate.

"A love of books has opened so many doors for me. Stories have inspired me and taught me to aspire.

“I've been a professional author for over 20 years, so I feel now is the time to give something back.

"I hope to instil in every child I meet my love and enthusiasm for reading and stories.

"And as I would never have become an author if it hadn't been for my local library as a child, I intend to continue Julia Donaldson's amazing, indefatigable work advocating for our nation's public library service.”