An inspiring writer faced political questions when he spoke to students about his new novel.

Poet, novelist and playwright Benjamin Zephaniah visited West Cheshire College to talk to students in the John Prescott Theatre about his new novel ‘Terror Kid’.

Benjamin Zephaniah visits West Cheshire College to speak to students about his new novel, Terror Kid

The powerful new story is about a Romany boy who is angry about the injustices he sees around the world and decides to do something about it. His apparently harmless actions quickly see him on the run, accused of murder and terrorism.

Stephen Boyle, 16, from Ellesmere Port, who is studying the BTEC extended diploma in performing arts at the college, said: “I studied Benjamin’s poetry for GCSE so I know a lot of his work.

“I love the way he expresses his views on everything. Even his funny poems have a serious message behind them.

“I really enjoyed his visit to the college and it was a fantastic opportunity to get to meet him.”

Peter Marnell, 20, who is studying a HNC in performing arts said: “I thought Benjamin was really inspiring.

“I had only heard of him for the first time two days ago but his talk was so interesting that I’ve bought some of his books today.”

Benjamin said: “I’ve been to many schools and colleges but by far the students at West Cheshire College have asked the most political questions.

“It has shown that they think about a lot of political issues happening in the world. I love having political debates so I really enjoyed my time here.

“My advice to students is that everybody has the potential to be a writer as we all have our own individual stories that we can tell people.”

Clare Owens, head of school for English at the college said: “Benjamin was fantastic and so inspirational for our students.

“His slant on life and his approaches to writing certainly sparked interesting discussions.

“It is very important for our students’ overall enrichment to have opportunities like this as it boosts their college experience and makes learning exciting.”

The poet was included in The Times list of Britain’s top 50 post-war writers in 2008.