Children to quiz Oscar winner over latest movie

The actor and screenwriter will be at the University of Hull on Thursday where she will be taking part in a question and answer session with school children about her recent film Nanny McPhee & The Big Bang.

Thompson herself wrote the screenplay, as well as starring as the Nanny in what is the second film in the series.

The Hull children will be able to find out about what's involved in getting words off the page and onto the big screen.

Professor Martin Goodman, who recently took over as professor of creative writing at the university and is a friend of the star, arranged the visit.

He said: "She is one of our British icons, and one of the most popular people in the country.

"She is a double Oscar winner and carries all that glamour, but believes in being British and living here and being part of this world.

"She likes being surprised by children's questions – they come up with things adults wouldn't."

The event – at the university's Middleton Hall– will involve 250 primary and secondary school children and will be hosted by Jack Stelloo, 13, and Emilia Grimes, 12, from Sydney Smith School in Anlaby.

The pair have previously been involved with a project run by Lancaster University which got children to communicate their experiences of the floods of 2007.

This – the University's first annual children's writing showcase – is one of a number of events organised by the Philip Larkin Centre for Creative Writing.

Prof Goodman added: "We're changing our whole format to turn our biggest lecture theatre into a kid-friendly zone. Hopefully the day's success will kick-start a great annual series.

"The university has a strong heritage of drama and literature and we are keen for the community to enjoy and contribute to the creative energy in the city."