A bright blue book-shaped bench designed by pupils to celebrate their love of reading has been unveiled by the author behind popular children’s novel How to Train Your Dragon.

Cressida Cowell inspired children at St Michael’s Primary School in North Road, Highgate, to read as much as possible on the bench during a visit on Tuesday.

The bench is adorned with pupils’ drawings, which were inspired by their favourite authors.

Dozens of book benches were scattered across the capital as part of London-wide project Books About Town, which aims to improve children’s reading skills.

The school’s English coordinator Rebecca Austin said: “The bench creates a space that’s peaceful, calm and inviting.”