WHY is everyone getting at youngsters these days? Stop picking on them, says that North Yorkshire vicar-turned-author, GP Taylor.

The Rev GP, from Cloughton, near Scarborough, has made a few millions out of the youth of today with his good-versus-evil children's fantasy books, including the monster hit Shadowmancer. And he spends a fair amount of his time visiting schools and talking to pupils.

He feels so strongly about the unfair label pinned on kids that after meeting Conservative Leader David Cameron recently, he has issued a challenge to the politician to join him on a school visit.

On his blogging website (www.jptaylorblog.com), GP throws down the gauntlet: "Dear David, it was great to meet you tonight and have a chat and a drink.

"A lot was said by some of your colleagues as to what they thought about education and to that end I challenge you to show how committed you really are to seeing what life is really like in schools.

"Come with me on one of my school visits. See how hard children work and how committed teachers really are to the education of children in state schools. You will be surprised by their imagination, creativity and fun.

"We have a generation to cherish and not to criticise. I commend your Parliamentary Private Secretary Des Sweyne for his real' approach to the subject and was amazed by his vast knowledge of education and the needs of children. So David, the tour continues to the 14th of December with a number of visits each day. So take your pick. After all you may be Prime Minister one day...."

We understand Mr Cameron has not responded so far, but in the meantime our reverend author has also rounded on the church on the same subject.

"When will religious leaders leave the kids alone? Not all children will end up like Vicky Pollard or out of EastEnders. There are millions of well-balanced, fun-loving young people out there who can care for each other and show love. But there is always someone wanting to slag children off. I think it's pretty weird dressing up as a druid and having a beard and thinking Pullman should be teaching RE in schools, but I keep it to myself...

"Now I'm off to stick my head in cow manure and talk to my gerbil about philosophy."