WORLD famous author, illustrator and animator Curtis Jobling, who helped create Bob the Builder, brought the house down when he was guest of honour at a Calne school.  Mr Jobling is best known as the production designer of the TV hit animation Bob The Builder.  He is also the author and illustrator of children’s books Frankenstein’s Cat, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion and the young adult series ‘Wereworld.’

Mr Jobling had children, staff and parents in fits of laughter as he spoke at the annual Prize Giving celebrations at St Margaret’s Preparatory School.

He was also on hand to help Headmistress Karen Cordon present a cheque for £4.500 to the children’s charity Hop, Skip and Jump.  The Swindon based centre provides respite care for children with disabilities and special educational needs.  Head of Care Hollie Smart thanked the school for the donation.  It will be used to support the centre, which opened in 2011, in helping even more children.

The school raised money throughout the year with a number of events including a Christmas Fair, a non-uniform day and a Sponsored Walk which involved the whole school. Teachers and support staff also raised additional funds by entering Chippenham’s Dragon Boat race.  Mrs Cordon said: “We chose Hop, Skip and Jump as our charity of the year as they provide much needed time off for parents and carers, allowing them to continue their careers, spend time with their other children and attend to other responsibilities. 

“I would like to thank everyone who supported our fundraising so generously.”