Babe author opens school summer fair (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Babe author opens school summer fair

THE AUTHOR of a well-known farmyard figure was at a primary school in west Wiltshire to open their summer fair.

Dick King-Smith, 83, best known for creating the loveable pig Babe, was at Fitzmaurice Primary School in Bradford on Avon on Saturday to give a short talk and sign copies of his books.

Events at this year's 'outer space' themed fair ranged from a poetry workshop, Samba drumming, to a stilt walker, dancing and a magic show.

Headteacher Shiel Taylor said: "It was a very good turnout and the hot weather meant there was a lively holiday atmosphere. Dick King-Smith opened the fair, which was a real coup. He gave a brief opening speech, because he said he understood if people had come to a fair they didn't want to listen to someone making a speech!

"We have tried to get him before but not been successful, so we were delighted that he could come this time."

Several hundred people helped to raise more than £3,000 for the school, and the money will go towards new playground equipment.