Illustrator Korky Paul drew a big smile from a budding young Oxford artist when he presented him with a signed copy of his latest book.

Aoub Benkacem-Dib was greeted by the award-winning doodler after he won a schools' competition to draw a picture for the book entitled The Dog who could Dig.

The former Botley Primary School pupil came top out of dozens of youngsters from five Oxfordshire schools to have his creation featured in the book written by Jonathan Long.

Aoub, 12, who now goes to Matthew Arnold School in Cumnor Hill, won the contest last year but has only recently been able to get a copy after it was published.

The book tells the story of a dog that digs deep into the earth and strikes it rich, so children were asked to draw a picture of a wealthy hound.

Aoub's drawing which is on the front and back covers of the book shows a dog wearing a gold necklace and enjoying a jacuzzi.

The Year Seven pupil, from Asquith Road, Rose Hill, said: "I was really happy and excited that they chose my picture. People kept telling me it was good, so I thought I might have a chance, but I didn't expect to win.

"Meeting Korky made me feel proud. Teachers used to read me the books he'd illustrated so it was great to meet him. It's inspired me to keep going with my drawing."

His mum Wadeya Karrouchi said: "I was overwhelmed.

"It was really emotional because Aoub had never won anything in his life before. Korky said Aoub's picture was a really good idea and showed a good imagination.

"The book has got his name inside the front cover to so all the thousands of readers will see his name over and over again."