Children's book drawings for sale

The books were illustrated by Bath-based Leslie Wood

Original pictures by a popular children's book illustrator were due to be sold at an auction on Tuesday.

Bath-based Leslie Wood created the illustrations for the Little Red Engine books, a popular series in the 1950s by author Diana Ross.

Gill Atkins, of Bonhams, said: "The most expensive lot consists of nine watercolours on board of the Story of the Little Red Engine (1945)."

She added: "It is expected to fetch £400-600. These really are exquisite."

In 1943 Mr Wood walked into the offices of Faber & Faber the publishers and showed them some of his work.

A week later he was commissioned to take over the illustration of Diana Ross's popular series of books.

The sale is to be held at Bonhams' Bath sales rooms on Tuesday, 31 May.