Downton Abbey star Jim Carter - better known as Carson the butler - got the red carpet treatment when he visited Shocklach Oviatt Primary School.

The children wrote to Mr Carter to invite him to a special Mad Hatter themed tea party and to celebrate their fantastic recent Ofsted report.

Much to everyone’s delight, the star responded with a big ‘yes please’ and promised that if the children answered three questions correctly, he would perform some magic.

The actor honoured this and wowed the children, including the toddler group, with incredible magic tricks.

Headteacher Jane Hopkins said: “We are all thrilled that Mr Carter responded to the children’s invitation to celebrate our recent, successful Ofsted report. It has been a wonderful and memorable occasion for the whole school and our local community.

“I am very proud of all our children. They entertained us all superbly with a sketch from Alice in Wonderland, a flash mob dance and some beautiful singing. All this on the day that marks the 150th anniversary of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”

Actor Jim Carter with the pupils from Shocklach Oviatt CE Primary School who introduced him at his one man show at Bishop Heber High School in Malpas
Actor Jim Carter with the pupils from Shocklach Oviatt CE Primary School who introduced him at his one man show at Bishop Heber High School in Malpas

That evening, Jim Carter lifted the lid on the secrets of Downton Abbey and entertained a packed hall at Bishop Heber High School in Malpas. Some of the children from Shocklach had the honour of introducing Jim on stage.

Chair of governors, Kate Soragna, said: “Everyone at Shocklach Oviatt has worked incredibly hard towards our recent Ofsted inspection.

“The inspector referred to the children as a sheer joy and his report recognises the outstanding management and leadership, outstanding behaviour and impressive progress being made by the children. I thank everyone for supporting our wonderful school.”

All funds raised will go towards Shocklach Oviatt Primary School.