Author thanks famous friend Holly Willoughby as she goes old school Brighton News

Hannah joined Burgess Hill Girls in 1985 where she met the TV presenter and the couple have since recorded the challenges of dyslexia.

She then became a children’s author, creating the much-loved character of Conker the Chameleon, and Holly supported her with shoutouts on her social media.

Hannah said: “It was really good to come back to school and talk to the little ones about the importance of taking care of their mental health.

“We all know how to keep our bodies healthy, but it’s always been taboo to talk about keeping our minds healthy too. Conker can’t change colors with his feelings, so he has to learn to use words the place and I gently explain through it how we all need to express how we feel in some way in order to stay mentally healthy.

“Holly has been really supportive of my writing – we met when we were little and shared an apartment in our twenties and I’m so grateful for her friendship and support.”

The school also welcomed another children’s author and illustrator, Sophy Henn, the same week.

Years 2, 3 and 4 learned how the official World Book Day illustrator and creator of many books came to create her Pizazz series and her journey into children’s publishing.

Burgess Hill Girls teacher Shelley Allen said: “Hannah’s books Conker the Chameleon and Climb were instant hits with girls, with the stories also sharing important messages about mental health.

“As part of her workshop, the girls learned a breathing technique to help them feel calm and relaxed and were also invited to share something with Hannah about their own unique strengths and talents.

“The girls came away not only with an appreciation for the stories, but also with some techniques that they could use even in their day-to-day lives.”