CHILDREN at a Droitwich Spa school went barking mad when a TV character helped launch a book week.

Clifford the Big Red Dog paid a visit to pupils at Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School to help promote the start of children's book week.

During the visit, Clifford read to children from the junior school. Rachel Key, from the school, said: "Our pupils love reading and listening to stories and Clifford's visit brought one of their favourite characters to life. Our kindergarten children were spellbound."

Storytime: Lilly Mottram, aged four, and Claire Humphries, five, with Clifford the Big Red Dog.