THE creator of popular children’s characters Bob the Builder, PAW Patrol and Fifi and the Flowertots has given an inspirational speech at a primary school.

Keith Chapman - who attended James Hornsby School when it was known as St Nicholas School - visited Phoenix Primary School and Nursery, in Laindon, yesterday to meet the older children at the school.

Mandy Watson, from the school, organised the visit and was pleased by how well it went.

She said “I took a chance and wrote to him.

“I explained that, as part of our vocational scheme, I wanted to inspire our Year Five and Six pupils that they can be whatever they want to be and if they work hard at school their career options know no bounds.

“Having an inspirational speaker, who made it ‘big’ through hard work and grew up in the same area as the children, relates to our pupils so well.

“Keith loved the idea and immediately agreed to travel down to speak with our Year Five and Six children.”

Mr Chapman was also he co-creator of Rory the Racing Car, and produced Litle Charlie Bear and Raa Raa the Noisy Lion.

He now lives in Monaco but he kindly incorporated the special trip to the school while on a family visit.