 He subsequently became a teacher, including holding the positions of Head of Art and Head of Careers at Sir John Deane's Grammar School in Northwich, Cheshire.Westall served as a branch director of Samaritans between 1966 and 1975 and also contributed as a journalist to publications such as "Cheshire Life" and "The Cheshire Chronicle" and to "The Guardian" as an art critic.Westall was inspired to become a writer by telling his son Christopher stories about his experiences during the Second World War.