A POPULAR comedian has visited a Redbridge school to give its budding young wordsmiths tips on creative writing.

Dave Smith - who has performed at the Comedy Store, Jongleurs and other top venues during his career - taught youngsters how to 'write to entertain' during a special creativity day held at Caterham High School in Clayhall.

The comic - who has written for, and featured in, a number of BBC radio shows - gave 20 of the school's most gifted writers a range of hints and tips for how to add a little humour to their work.

Caterham pupil Joe Connell - who took part in the workshop - said: "Twenty hand picked students were treated to a workshop with Dave Smith, who spoke to us about a range of writing and performing skills.

"We learnt about how to make the mundane into something interesting and witty. Our writing ranged from describing the occasional daydream to opening a chocolate milkshake."

Sixth formers at the school, in Clayhall, also got the chance to participate in a Film Festival, during which they watched and commented on a range of movies that focused on contemporary issues.

The films ranged from examining the complexities of insurgency in Iraq to the roles played by men and women in child rearing.

Year Nine youngsters enjoyed a slightly more active day, visiting Stubbers Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Essex, where they took part in a range of events including caving, rockclimbing, absailing, high ropes, terrain boarding and team building.