A POPULAR children’s author travelled from her Scottish island home to present a Bury school with a prize illustration of her best-known character.

Mairi Hedderwick, creator of the Katie Morag illustrated books, visited Lowercroft Primary School to meet youngsters who won a national competition.

The contest involved donating £20 towards the refurbishment of a village hall on the Hebridean island of Coll, where the author lives.

Red-haired character Katie Morag, dressed in her trademark jumper, kilt and wellies, is famed for her adventures on the fictional island of Struay.

During her Bury visit, Mrs Hedderwick presented pupils with a special illustration entitled Katie Leaves for Lowercroft.

Teacher Helen Nuckley said: “The drawing showed Katie Morag with a rucksack, leaving her island for Lowercroft. Mairi even brought the rucksack with her.”

“The island of Coll has a population of 220 and the village hall is being refurbished. Schools which contributed towards the fundraising costs had the chance to enter the competition.

“We paid £20 as part of our community cohesion policy and were delighted to win. It was nice to have her and we were extraordinarily lucky.”

During her visit, the author talked to a number of pupils and told a story to Year One youngsters.