A BEST-selling children’s author unveiled new facilities on a visit to a school.

Holmwood House School in Lexden has seen some exciting developments including the introduction of a new pre-reception class housed in a newly-refurbished early years department.

The refurbishment was unveiled by guest of honour and popular children’s author Nick Butterworth, alongside headmaster Alexander Mitchell and the chief executive officer of Bellevue Education Mark Malley.

Mr Butterworth recalled warm memories from his previous visits to the independent school before cutting the ribbon.

He said: “Every time I’ve been back to the school it is like the sun coming out.

“Whatever the weather’s like, it is a sunny place to be.

“There is a good spirit about the place, a feeling that good things can happen.

“What is encouraged here is children realising their talents, realising their potential and I’m glad I was invited to be here.” Mr Butterworth’s books have sold more than 12 million copies around the world in more than 25 languages.

They have won several prestigious awards including the Nestle Gold Award for The Whisperer.

Mr Butterworth, the creator of Percy the Park Keeper, spoke about his journey to becoming an author and his passion for writing children’s stories.

The pupils were also treated to him reading some of his own stories and he recreated one of his animal illustrations.