Letchworth illustrator and author James Mayhew was at a Hitchin school this week to share his experience and tips with the children.

The creator of characters such as Katie and Ella Bella Ballerina spent Monday working with classes at Purwell Primary School in Fairfield Way.

He delighted the kids with his great pictures, and indeed drew some upside down while regaling his audience with his stories.

The visit was the culmination of a start-of-year whole-school topic called Take One Author, during which each class at the school studied one of a selection of James Mayhew books.

The author told the Comet afterwards: “It was a huge pleasure to return to Purwell, where both staff and pupils gave me a very warm welcome.

“Each class has been creating superb work inspired by a different book of mine, and I felt incredibly honoured to see my books used so imaginatively.”

Headteacher Richard Cano added: “It was a very exciting day for the children – they were able to meet the author and illustrator of some of their favourite books.

“We are grateful to Mr Mayhew for sparing the time to visit us.”