An award-winning illustrator has visited a Suffolk school to mark Remembrance Day with a reminder about the “sacrifices we should never forget”.

Martin Impey, best known for his artwork interpreting one of Wilfred Owen’s anti-war poems, visited Westfield Primary Academy, Clements Primary, Burton End Primary and Samuel Ward Upper School in Haverhill.

The events organised by local literacy campaign Get Suffolk Reading aimed to provide inspiration, greater understanding and empathy to pupils in local primary and upper schools.

The campaign leaders said that it is particularly important in the period leading up to Remembrance Day to bring World War One poetry to life and help children make connections with the themes.

Mr Impey said: “It’s a real pleasure to come to Haverhill to share stories about World War One and to enthuse the children to be creative in their own way.

“Learning about remembrance and why we wear our poppies and remembering the sacrifices made, is something we should never forget.”

Toby Gooch, the assistant headteacher at Westfield Primary Academy, said: “Providing an opportunity for our children at Westfield to engage with inspirational literature, and Martin's amazing illustrations, all adds to our work -to encourage children to aim high and believe that they can achieve.

“Thank you to Get Suffolk Reading for bringing this opportunity to life in response to our request.”

Get Suffolk Reading, a campaign led by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with Suffolk County Council, encourages families to read together to improve the well-being and aspiration of young children.

Suzanne Stevenson, Get Suffolk Reading project manager for Haverhill, said that they are “delighted” to welcome Mr Impey to some of the Haverhill schools and community organisations.

She added: “Martin’s illustrations and keen interest in history and stories are sure to inspire pupils, teachers and adults.”

Mr Impey will also conduct talks at Cleves Place Care Home and Haverhill Arts Centre to give the community the opportunity to find out more about his work and knowledge about World War One.

Tickets for the free event that takes place at Haverhill Arts Centre on Friday, November 4 are available online.