Snowy author Berlie Doherty revisits Chester Blue Coat CE Primary School

PUPILS from a city primary came face to face with a children’s author who was inspired by their school.

Youngsters at the Chester Blue Coat CE Primary School met Berlie Doherty, author of Snowy, and the main character ‘Rachel’, (Rachel Turnock), who was a pupil at St Thomas of Canterbury Junior School (now Chester Blue Coat) during the 1990s.

The book, illustrated by Keith Bowen, was originally written with help from the school’s pupils, many of whom attended the reunion.

In the story, Rachel is disappointed that she can’t take Snowy into school when her teacher asks the class to bring in their pets. Her parents say Snowy is a working animal and must stay by the canal. The solution, was to take the class to see Snowy.

Headteacher Vince O’Brien said: “The Snowy reunion was great fun. The children at Bluecoat were amazed to see the five- year-old girl Rachel visit them as a 28-year-old – it really brought the book to life for them.”