CHILDREN were transported to the magical universe of Winnie the Witch when award-winning illustrator Korky Paul paid them a visit.

The children’s book illustrator, best known for his Winnie the Witch series, visited Charlton Primary School in Wantage to officially open its new Early Years Unit.

But he couldn’t resist an opportunity to whip out his colouring pens. And, after reading the children Winnie the Witch stories, which he launched in 1987, he started sketching pupils in the audience.

Martha Rooke, four, from Wantage, said: “It was really fun when Korky drew my picture.

“He said I am a Marthaosaurus but I’m not!”

Staff at the school invited the illustrator, who lives in north Oxford, to officially open their new classroom block for four and five-year-olds on Wednesday.

The new facility means the school can accommodate an extra 15 pupils every year.

Teaching assistant and school governor Judy Landy said: “He was fantastic with the children and they really enjoyed having him – it was magical.

“The children know the books so well – to have him read to them was a treat.”