SEVEN Stories have announced a major new exhibition for October called Daydreams and Diaries, the Story of Jacqueline Wilson.

The former Children’s Laureate, who is closely associated with the Newcastle-based centre for children’s books, has written more than 100 books which have sold more than 30m copies.

The exhibition, due to open on October 15, will not only feature some of the author’s notebooks and typescripts but also personal belongings, including childhood toys, school reports and diaries.

The exhibition will also include a replica of her childhood bedroom, where she wrote and daydreamed. Kate Edwards, chief executive of Seven Stories, said: “Jacqueline has supported us for many years, officially opening Seven Stories in 2005 and thrilling our young visitors last year when she joined us to celebrate our fifth birthday.

“This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for us to pay tribute to her and her outstanding contribution to British children’s literature.”

Dame Jacqueline said: “It’s been extraordinary delving into basements and garages and finding long forgotten childhood stories and old manuscripts and mementos.”

MEANWHILE, an exhibition marking the centenary of the birth of Mervyn Peake (1911-68) opens at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle next Saturday.

Lines of Flight: Mervyn Peake, the Illustrated Work will include almost 200 of the author and illustrator’s delicate images, bringing to life characters from his famous Gormenghast trilogy and others, including Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and Treasure Island.

It will also include illustrations from Peake’s first published work, Captain Slaughterboard Drops Anchor.

Admission is free to the exhibition, which runs until September 25.