A WIRRAL author is hoping to inspire the next generation of writers with Shakespeare’s schoolroom and Guildhall, Stratford-upon-Avon’s newest visitor attraction.

James Hartley, a dad-of-two from Heswall and now living in Madrid, and has launched a competition for youngsters to win a session for their class at Shakespeare’s schoolroom.

His novel The Invisible Hand: Shakespeare’s Moon Act I tells the story of young teenagers Sam and Leana and their time travelling adventures, all wrapped up in the story of Macbeth and life at a boarding school.

James will also be visiting Waterstones in Birkenhead for a book signing and to publicise the national competition on April 8.

Children in Key Stage 2 are invited to draw a scene from a Shakespeare play as if they were there and children aged 11 to 13 can have fun writing a short story that gives a 21st century take on one of Shakespeare’s plays.

The winning entries will get the chance to visit the schoolroom with their class for an interactive creative session with James and be written into his next Shakespeare themed book.

James said: “I believe passionately in the power of creativity, which can help children in so many different ways with their learning. And there is no stronger influence on the craft of storytelling and language than the legacy of Shakespeare.

“For young minds we need to make Shakespeare relevant, approaching it with the same energy and passion that the Bard himself had.

“I’m very excited to be working with Shakespeare’s schoolroom, which as a writer and English teacher is one of the most exciting places to visit imaginable.”

Shakespeare’s schoolroom and Guildhall, where William Shakespeare was educated and first experienced professional theatre, opened as a visitor attraction in April last year

Alongside the competition, there will be a twitter take-over and James will be sharing his tips on creative writing online.

For more information on how to enter email: sjervis-hill@shakespearesschoolroom.org.

The entry deadline for the competition is Friday 26 May 2017.