Reception children received a surprise visit from a seasonal guest.

Pupils at Felsted Primary School in Dunmow welcomed The Snowman, who is based on the fictional character created by Raymond Briggs.

The children had written letters to The Snowman asking him to visit their class and he duly obliged when he made a special visit.

School secretary Jayne Turney said: "“The children learned the special Snowman dance and asked him lots of questions.

“They found out that he is friends with Rudolph and that his favourite food is ice cream.

“They also learned that, if he melts, he magically reappears when it’s cold again.”