Captivating tales penned by one of the nation’s best-loved children’s storytellers are being brought to life in a new exhibition in Leeds.

Michael Morpurgo: A Lifetime in Stories has opened at Leeds City Museum, and takes families on a journey through popular novels including War Horse, Private Peaceful and The Butterfly Lion.

Curated by Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, the exhibition gives visitors the chance to step inside the tales - sailing away to the Wreck of the Zanzibar, taking a trip to Mudpuddle Farm or getting up close to a unicorn.

A collection of original manuscripts, notebooks and photographs will also give a unique insight into the creation of the former Children’s Laureate’s books, which have sold more than 35 million copies worldwide.

On display is a handwritten draft of War Horse, alongside props showing how the book was later adapted into a hit stage show and blockbuster film.

Documents from Morpurgo’s time as a teacher and as an army cadet at Sandhurst form part of the exhibition, along with artwork from some of Britain’s greatest illustrators - including Quentin Blake, Patrick Benson and Michael Foreman.

Kate Edwards, chief executive of Seven Stories, said: “Michael is one of the most influential authors of our time who has done more than most to harness the power of storytelling to touch the hearts and minds of young readers. “

Ruth Martin, Leeds City Museum’s curator of special exhibitions, added: “These stories have captured the imaginations of children all around the world and its huge honour to be playing our part in bringing them off the page and into the museum so children and families in Leeds can connect with them in a whole new way.”

Michael Morpurgo: A Lifetime in Stories will be at Leeds City Museum, which is free to enter, from February 8 until June 16.