Children in the Lake District helped launched a new book set in the region.

Pupils at Grasmere School and Nursery have played a key role in award-winning author Tom Palmer's latest offering, 'Angel of Grasmere'.

The story, set in 1940, presents a narrative for children to learn more about World War Two, the emotional struggles it created for people across the country, and how it impacted Cumbria in particular.

Read more: Lake District: Grasmere World War Two story released | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

Tom met with the pupils to officially showcase the book, encouraging them to get dressed up as if they were from the same period.

The Mail: The school has been a big part of Tom's exploration of children's booksThe school has been a big part of Tom's exploration of children's books (Image: Grasmere School)

Headteacher Johanna Goode said: "Tom has worked with us over several years - we first talked to him when he was writing 'Armistice Runner', as a lot of our children are fell runners, and we were very involved with 'After The War'.  

"Tom wanted to work with our children on how to pitch a book about the holocaust, to primary aged children - he's a generous listener, and the children responded in kind."

The Mail: Parents, staff and governors all took part to get dressed up to make it a day to rememberParents, staff and governors all took part to get dressed up to make it a day to remember (Image: Grasmere School)

The 'fruitful collaboration' allowed Tom to further shape his stories, realising that there was no need to underestimate what children are willing to read about.

"It led to Tom including several powerful descriptions, which he had worried were too bleak for children of this age," said Mrs Goode.

"So when he got in touch to say that he was writing a book about a deserter, set in the central Lakeland fells, we were very keen to be involved."

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It was in these fells that the book launch took place following in the footsteps of Tom's latest characters.

Mrs Goode added: "It has been so good for these children - they have had a wonderful insight into the drafting and editing processes, and Tom has shared with them his scrapbooks and notebooks, where he collects inspiration and ideas. 

"The children are very proud of Angel of Grasmere, and of Tom for writing it.   

"The tale of Tarn and her brother will always be in our minds now, whenever we are wandering through the churchyard, or climbing to Easedale Tarn.“

You can find out more about the book and grab your copy here.