Hampton Academy was presented with two images from graphic novel illustrator Mark Penman this week, after winning an online prize draw run by Badger Learning.

The school’s librarian, Gill Duane, entered the competition on behalf of the academy and was awarded a framed illustration from Tommy Donvaband’s latest graphic novel, The Head is Dead.

Mark Penman also commissioned a bespoke illustration for the school, in which he “zombified” deputy college principal Fran Martin.

Ms Duane said: “She was very pleased with the picture, indeed. We have had a great response from the children, who have had the chance to look at a new set of graphic novels and really liked what they saw.”

The competition is part of a campaign run by Badger Learning to promote reading for pleasure, and had about 100 entrants.

Graphic novels are seen as instrumental in encouraging children to read in their spare time.

Ms Duane said: “Graphic novels are really beginning to be taken seriously, and are great for getting the reluctant readers interested in reading for pleasure.”