ONE OF the country’s top children’s writers, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, was special guest at a Huddersfield book group’s anniversary.

The former childrens’ laureate and most-borrowed author of the decade was invited to join the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Kirklees and Calderdale children’s Book Group.

Speaking at a dinner in Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms in Elland, Dame Jacqueline said she was delighted to support the organisation.

“It’s great that we all care so much about children and reading,” she told the 300-plus diners.

Earlier, Dame Jacqueline had completed a marathon book signing at the Children’s Bookshop in Lindley after travelling from her home in Kingston upon Thames. It was, she said, her third visit to the Huddersfield area.

Dame Jacqueline, 65, rose to prominence in 1991 with The Story of Tracy Beaker, which was made into a television series. Although good at English, Dame Jacqueline always says she was not particularly academic.

“When I go into schools I like to ham it up a bit and tell the children I was no good at school so that they don’t think you have to come top in everything in order to achieve,” she explained.

Dame Jacqueline has sold an astonishing 30m books.

While at the Bookshop she met young readers Lizzie, 10, and Maisie, 8, Morison , from Lindley.

“They absolutely love Jacqueline’s books,” said their mum Jane Farrar, an English teacher at King James’ High School in Almondbury.

“Maisie is not a big reader but she likes the fact that the books are real life stories. I would say that is what has got her reading.’’

“Our school library is well stocked with them and there’s a quick turn-over,’’ she said.

Full interview with Dame Jacqueline next Wednesday.