Hugh Bonneville, star of the Paddington films and popular television series Downton Abbey, paid a surprise visit to pupils at Liphook Infant and Junior School during International Book Week.

Children and staff enjoyed an entertaining reading of a Paddington story and a fascinating talk about the inspiration behind the character of the bear from darkest Peru and its author Michael Bond.

Hugh had a captivated audience and answered questions children had about his experiences while filming the Paddington movies.

Children also celebrated Book Week by dressing up as their favourite characters and enjoyed a visit by award-winning author Michelle Magorian, who wrote Goodnight Mr Tom. 

Executive headteacher Michele Frost Mrs Frost said: "Reading is such an integral part of the children’s education, and it was wonderful to see the effort they made with their costumes.

This year’s Book Week was so full of exciting visitors, activities and events which opened up the fabulous world of books to all our students."