▪ IN EACH episode of Mr Benn,

David McKee’s character would enter a fancy dress shop in his bowler hat and suit and escape into a fantasy world based on the theme of the costume he has chosen. Now, it’s emerged that McKee, who died last year aged 87, has left a real-life fortune to his family.

Probate documents reveal that the children’s author left £5.2 million, divided between his wife Bakhta, his three children and the National Centre for Children’s Books.