CHILDREN from Oxfordshire primary schools were given an unexpected treat when author Julia Donaldson was joined on stage by her best-known creation, The Gruffalo.

The event was one of several school days held as part of the Oxford Literary Festival. Over four days, more than 2,300 children from 45 different schools spent time meeting some of the biggest names in children’s fiction.

Other authors taking part included Michael Rosen, Oxford-based Mini Grey, and Philip Ardagh, author of The Grub Town tales.

An audience of more than 200 attended today’s event at the North Wall Arts Centre.

Radley Primary School teacher Erica Mott said: “It was brilliant, the children absolutely loved it.

“Some of them thought the Gruffalo was a bit scary to start with, but they loved him.

“I think it makes it real for them when they meet the authors, and have a chance to ask them questions, and it inspires them a little bit more.”

All the school events were free of charge and were completely full.