Bexley primary school children writing book showing Bexley village through their eyes

The 120-page publication is the brainchild of Tony Cranston, storyteller-in-residence at Bexley Community Library, and will provide a historical snap shot of the comings and goings of the village for future generations.

The youngsters, aged six to 11, are putting the book together from interviews with notable local people - including policemen, vicars and photographers - and have been meeting in the Bourne Road library every Friday since last September.

Derayo Alade, 6, and Royimi Olanrewaju, 6

They have written every word themselves and have also come up with content ideas and taken photographs.

The book is now in its final stages.

Danielle Fusco, 8

Niamh Boyle, 10, said: "I really love doing this book because we get to interact with lots of different people. 

"I can’t wait to be an author."

Eight-year-old Louis Jossa added: "This is so amazing as we are real authors."

Louie Jossa, 8, Arpad Rektor, 10, and Rachael Olarewaju, 7

And Nicole Boyle, mum to Niamh and Riley, who are both working on the book, said: "This is a wonderful and unique opportunity for the children to think and write about the environment and community they are growing up in. 

"Their writing has developed enormously with Tony’s encouragement and they will have produced a book they can be very proud of. 

"It will be a great record of history and memories forever." 

The finished product will be printed and will go on sale locally.

Tony Cranston said: "Parents are especially good at supporting their children from the very beginning and understanding what writing and publishing a book would do for their confidence and self awareness at such an early age.

"The material and ideas the children have come up with is amazingly truthful, funny and shines - I am proud of what they have learned and achieved."