FOREST-based author and illustrator Shoo Rayner officially opened a new school library and told the children: “It’s like the Tardis.”

The library at Steam Mills Primary School was given a makeover by staff who came in during the holidays.

Shoo was invited to cut the ribbon to officially open it and he told the children it was like’s Dr Who’s time machine – bigger on the inside than the outside.

He said: “It’s just a little corner but, like the Tardis, you go inside and it’s massive.

“Every book in here is like a portal into another time, another place and there are characters in there who will become like friends to you.

“I still think about the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian is still a friend to me after all these years. You will meet friends in these books and you will learn things and you will go to other places.”

As well as opening the library, Shoo also spoke to the children about where he gets ideas, how he develops them and how to draw.

Charlie Taylor, the school’s reading co-ordinator, said the idea behind rejuvenating the library was to once again make it the heart of the school.

She added: “The library was very tired, it had been done many years ago and it was not an engaging place

“We wanted to get it refreshed and made the heart of the school again. Over the holidays a few staff members came in and we repainted the whole place.”

School business manager Mel Harris drew characters suggested by the children including Harry Potter, Matilda, the BFG and Horrid Henry.

Each child at the school has a library card and the facility is run by 12 juniors who have a rota.

Ms Taylor added: “It’s now more the heart of the school. We are really excited about it.”