When renowned illustrator Sir Quentin Blake visited Tottenham, pupils from St Francis de Sales and St Paul’s and All Hallows Schools were keen to find out what inspires him.

How did you become an illustrator?
I persuaded a friend of mine to write a story and I illustrated it. We were very lucky because the book got printed and we were on our way.

How long does it take to do the illustrations for a book?
Sometimes 4 or 5 months but about 3 months is average.

Do you have a favourite character that you have drawn?
I have drawn a lot of characters so it is difficult to say but I do like the BFG.

Tottenham Independent: Before their very eyes: Sir Quentin shows how a character is born.

Do you base any of your drawings on real people?
No, but once I have drawn a character people always say you know that really looks like so and so. But I never do it deliberately.

What was it like working with Roald Dahl?
I never saw the story until it was completed. I would be sent a transcript. I would then go to his house and have dinner and talk about the drawings I had completed.

Is working with David Walliams very different from working with Roald Dahl?
They are both very interesting and I enjoy working with both of them. I would say David’s characters are less complicated to draw than Roald Dahl’s ones.

What is your favourite book that you’ve illustrated?
I love the book ‘Clown’. It tells the story of amazing things this clown can do. It is for younger children but I do still love the book.

Some of your characters are known for their good values. What can we learn from the good values of your characters?
I think it is important to be kind and care about others. I try to demonstrate good and bad features in my drawings. Sometimes you can have unusual features but still be a good character.

What was it like meeting the Queen?
Well, I had lunch with the Queen once; she is a very hard working lady!

What advice would you give to children who are interested in drawing?
Never give up. I was not very good when I started but I kept on going and I would encourage you to do the same.

Tottenham Independent: Members of the School Council and Journalism Club interview Sir Quentin Blake.

In the last few weeks, pupils of St Francis de Sales School have been preparing themselves for Easter. Before finishing term, they followed the Stations of the Cross around the school.

This week we have been exploring the matters of the cross and how Jesus’ life ended. Kids from St Francis School travelled through the massive classes, arriving in Class 5M. There they saw talented and creative kids act out their parts in one of the tenth station when the soldier cast lots for Jesus’ clothes.

Silently, the other actors and I scurried to our position while the other classes came in quietly. However, I felt a little bit upset because my back was facing the audience all the time!

Tottenham Independent: Pupils act out how Jesus is laid in a tomb.

While children across the country have been giving up sweets, fizzy drinks and other treats for Lent, pupils from St Francis de Sales School have also been finding ways to give. Shenade Dias and Emily Chantre report on raising money for international development charity CAFOD.

In St Francis de Sales we have been donating 1ps, 2ps and other coins in a box to send to CAFOD.

First a lady called Cath Walker from CAFOD came to our school to tell us about the charity’s work. As she was explaining what happened to children who don’t have enough food or water, we were upset and surprised. We didn’t know that so many children died.

She also told us not to throw away useable objects like phones and printer ink cartridges and instead give them to CAFOD. The school has raised more than £70 from items we would normally throw away. That’s enough to provide clean water for two families - and more.

Our donations will make a huge difference to people’s lives.