It is a moment they will never forget – coming face-to-face with their literary idol.

Hundreds of young bookworms crammed into a lecture theatre to meet Jacqueline Wilson, one of the biggest-selling children's authors of all time.

Some fans were so excited they screamed and shrieked as they reached the front of the queue to speak to her, clutching books for her to sign.

Ms Wilson, who has sold more than 10 million books and won hundreds of awards for her writing, visited Leicester University on Saturday as part of the second Literary Leicester Festival. She spoke to an audience about her career and read extracts from her book, Hetty Feather.

Fans were then able to queue to meet the author.

Maisie Bauer, 11, and sister Erin, nine, of Kibworth, queued for more than an hour to get their books signed. Maisie took along her favourite book, The Bed and Breakfast Star.

She said: "I've read it loads of times and it's the best one she has written. Now that she's signed it I'm going to find somewhere special to keep it."

Erin took in her copy of Double Act. She said: "This is the first Jacqueline Wilson book I've read and it's amazing.

"She was really nice and chatty and I just want to read loads more of her books now I've met her."

Katie O'Connor, nine, of Goadby, near Market Harborough, said: "I'm a really big fan and I've been excited all week about this. When I found out there were tickets I told my mum to get some straight away.

"I have got so many of her books. I don't know how many exactly but it's a lot. I was so happy to meet her. She was really friendly."

Ellie McCann, nine, of Cranoe, near Market Harborough, has more than 20 books by Ms Wilson.

She said: "I got her to sign a copy of her new book Hetty Feather. I've read the beginning bit already and it's really good.

"She's so funny and nice and I'm so happy that I got a chance to meet her. I love her books."

The Literary Leicester Festival is organised by the university, in conjunction with Action Deafness Books, to celebrate reading. Dr Holly Furneaux, of the university's School of English, said: "I'm delighted that there has been such an enthusiastic response for this event as part of the aim of Literary Leicester is to involve local people of all ages and backgrounds in the life of the university.

"I think this kind of event is important in endorsing and encouraging young people's love of reading, and giving inspiration to aspiring writers." The festival, which ran from Wednesday until Saturday, attracted other authors, poets and broadcasters, including Sarah Waters, Meg Rosoff, Peter Porter and John Carey.