A "PROLIFIC" author has returned to college to give students an insight into the writing process.

On March 16, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in Eastleigh welcomed back former student, David Nicholls to talk to students about his career, his writing process and the formulation of ideas for his novels and screenplays.

Nicholls finished his studies at the college in 1985, and went on to write novels including One Day, which was later adapted for the screen in a film featuring Ann Hathaway.

As well as this he also wrote the screenplay for Sky Atlantic’s BAFTA winning Patrick Melrose, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch.

The author visited virtually as part of the College’s Aspire Programme, a series of lectures and support aimed at offering the most high-achieving students an opportunity to explore their subjects beyond the syllabus.

He said: “It was such a pleasure to revisit Barton Peveril, even electronically. I have such fond memories of my time there, the teachers I met and the friends I made. A fantastic two years.”