SULLY schoolchildren have experienced ghostly goings on after a teacher launched her debut children’s book at the primary school.

The launch, part of an exciting initiative to bring the work of Dylan Thomas to thousands of school children, featured Mr Mahli’s Shed and a ghost named Dylan, by Laura Sheldon with illustrations from Huw Aaeron.

The story revolves around a grumpy ghost now resident in a shed near Cwmdonkin Drive.

The book was launched in collaboration with Literature Wales at one of the Developing Dylan 100 workshops now being offered to schools across Wales as part of the Dylan Thomas Centenary celebrations.

A team of 32 writers led the one-hour creative writing workshops using the magic of Dylan’s words to inspire the young people of Wales.

The Developing Dylan workshops, supported by the Welsh Government, have already reached more than 7,500 children.

Literature Wales helped launch Laura’s book, aimed at seven to nine-year-year- olds, with a creative writing workshop delivered by the author and a book signing in Sully Primary School’s own writers’ shed.

The shed, which opened last year, overlooks the sea just like Dylan’s original shed in Laugharne, and is used as a place for the children at the school to explore their creativity through words.

Mr Mahli’s Shed and a ghost named Dylan is a gentle but enthralling introduction to the famed Welsh poet, illustrated by Cardiff illustrator Huw Aaron.

It centres on two nine-year-old friends, Tomos and Alys, who stumble across the odd but entertaining ghost in their neighbour’s garden shed on Hillside Crescent in Swansea.

Laura said: “The idea for Mr Mahli's Shed began two years ago when I introduced my class to the work of Dylan Thomas.

“I loved the idea that the ghost of Dylan Thomas could meet two children from 2014 and started to think about how they would interact."

Firefly publisher Penny Thomas said: “This is a fun story about two school friends who have an adventure. It’s also a great introduction to Dylan for primary school children – gentle, funny and not didactic in any way. We hope this book, and the Developing Dylan 100 workshops, will help them find out more about Dylan and his work.”

The book, costing £5.99, will be available in teacher packs with free guided-reading notes, and there will be related activities on www.fireflypress.co.uk

Developing Dylan 100 workshops, available in both English and Welsh. Visit developingdylan100.co.uk or contact Literature Wales on 029 2047 2266 for more information.