Award-winning children’s author Jeremy Strong joined 150 guests at Sutton Library last Wednesday to celebrate the 70th birthday of Puffin Books.

Families enjoyed a picnic while the author gave a talk about his work and read extracts from some of his most popular books.

The free event was part of Sutton Council’s Imagine Festival, which aims to showcase the borough’s diverse creative and artistic scene.

Mr Strong, who has had 84 children’s novels published, said: “This was a great way to celebrate Puffin’s 70th birthday, the children were fantastic and Sutton library is a great venue.”

His book, There’s a Viking in my Bed, was made into a BBC TV series and another novel, The Hundred Mile-An-Hour Dog, won the Children’s Book Award 1997.

Councillor Graham Tope, the council’s leisure and libraries spokesman, said: “Jeremy is a great author who has captivated the imagination of children for decades.

“This event was a real treat - people got a chance to hear him talk about his work and influences, while enjoying the novelty of a picnic in the library.

For more information on the Imagine Festival either contact Elina Harlas on 020 8770 6986, email elina.harlas@sutton.gov.uk or visit sutton.gov.uk/imagine