Children at a Woodbridge primary school were excited to meet the man who brought Percy the Park Keeper to life. 

The author Nick Butterworth paid a visit to Kyson Primary School in Peterhouse Crescent on Wednesday. 

Mr Butterworth is the author and illustrator of the Percy the Park Keeper children’s books.

These classic stories about Percy and the adventures of his animal friends have captured the imaginations of children everywhere, and sold around 10 million copies worldwide. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Nick Butterworth shared the magic of storytelling with students at Kyson. Image: Charlotte BondNick Butterworth shared the magic of storytelling with students at Kyson. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

East Anglian Daily Times: Nick Butterworth's stories have captured the imaginations of children everywhere. Credit: Charlotte BondNick Butterworth's stories have captured the imaginations of children everywhere. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The visit was organised by Kyson's English coordinator, Hayley Bloss.

Mrs Bloss said: "We had a fantastic day with Nick, he visited every child in the school from nursery to year six, spreading enthusiasm and warmth through stories.  

“The children were captivated by his storytelling, mesmerised by his live drawings and inspired by his creativity to write books.” 

Headteacher Tom Gunson said: “Nick really inspired our children on Wednesday.

"Everyone in the school has loved hearing about how Nick creates his stories and characters. So many children brought in books for him to sign at the end of the day.  

“The day finished with an evening masterclass for parents on how to make bedtime stories even more exciting.

"This is the second of our author visits this year, which are proving hugely popular with the children. We are looking forward to a virtual visit from Joseph Coelho in the summer term.” 

East Anglian Daily Times: Nick Butterworth's stories have sold around 10 million copies worldwide. Credit: Charlotte BondNick Butterworth's stories have sold around 10 million copies worldwide. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

East Anglian Daily Times: Nick Butterworth spent the whole day at Kyson, and even stayed to give a talk in the evening. Charlotte BondNick Butterworth spent the whole day at Kyson, and even stayed to give a talk in the evening. Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Kyson has been working hard to encourage reading for pleasure amongst its pupils since the beginning of the academic year. 

In October, the school was visited by Jeanne Willis, author of The Really Rude Rhino, The T-Rex Who Lost His Specs, Toffee Pockets, and many more besides. 

Mrs Willis was there for the opening ceremony of the school’s new ‘book nook’, where the students can come to settle down with a story during lunchtimes and breaktimes.