A best-selling children's author and illustrator has been announced as the latest new patron for Norwich's Puppet Theatre.

James Mayhew, whose works include the Katie and Ella Bella books, Once Upon A Tune and Gaspard the Fox, joins former EastEnders actress Matilda Ziegler and broadcaster Zeb Soanes as new patrons of the theatre.

Mr Mayhew, who went to school in Lowestoft, said: "Norwich Puppet Theatre is one of the great jewels of children’s theatre, not only in this region but nationally.

"It is somewhere we should cherish, celebrate and nurture and I aim to do all three by becoming a patron.

“I look forward enormously to forging a truly creative, inspiring and imaginative partnership, and helping the team develop new audiences through innovative and exciting new projects and performances for everyone."

He will be at the theatre, based in the medieval church of St James the Less in Whitefriars, for a special performance on Saturday, December 3.

A Brush With Music - Tuneful Tales & Musical Myths will see him joined by world-renowned violinist Alex Redington and concert pianist Siu Chiu Li to present an hour of much-loved classical music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns and others.

While the musicians play, Mr Mayhew will paint live illustrations to capture the fairy tales, legends and characters described in the music.