EXCITED children were able to see their brand new library bus for the first time.

The bus, which has been parked outside Buttsbury Infant School, in Perry Street, Billericay, aims to provide an inspiring space where pupils can read, write, and create artwork.

The bus will also free up space inside the school, which can be used for learning groups instead.

Characters such as Harry Potter, Little Miss Sunshine, the BFG and Matilda, all looked on as the Billericay Town Crier unveiled the bus on Friday.

The launch came as the infant school celebrated World Book Day a day late to coincide with the opening.

A wooden bus shelter has also been built to house the children’s coats.

Melissa Shelley, the co-chair of the parents association at the school, along with Kate Walsh, came up with the idea months ago.

Ms Shelley said: “We wanted the children to be inspired by their visits to the bus.

“There’s lots on board, not just books, but zoned areas where they can do bird-spotting, record the weather or sit on the bean bags for story-telling sessions.

“There are clipboards for our budding artists, poets and authors to use and the bus is adorned with flowers and artwork to stimulate the kids’ imagination.”

Basildon author Nicola Rowley paid a special visit to the opening, and read her award-winning book, James and the Birthday Balloon, to the 360 pupils, who are aged from four to seven. Ms Rowley’s first book, James and the Amazing Gift, proved a big hit for children across the UK.

Kate Walsh added: “This project has been a culmination of many people within the wider Buttsbury community and so it was fitting to have our author and town crier from Billericay there on the day.

“It made for a very personable feel to the event which was attended by so many.

“I’ve never seen such a long queue for a bus.”

The bus was paid by the parents association, which held fundraising events throughout last year.

Staff from Billericay’s library were also on hand to sign up new members for the service.