David Walliams: It's nice to be compared to Roald Dahl

Comedian and author David Walliams has hailed the influence of children's author Roald Dahl at the launch of his latest book.

Walliams spoke to ITV News correspondent Nina Nannar at the launch of 'The World's Worst Children', a collection of 10 stories about a delightfully dreadful child, ranging from Dribbling Drew to Sofia Sofa.

It is the first time Mr Walliams has published a children's book since Billionaire Boy in 2010, and comparisons have been made to the works of late author Roald Dahl.

Mr Walliams said: "It's nice for me, an insult to him", he joked. "His books are perfect and I don't think mine are in the same league, but it's a nice comparison".

"He's a hero of mine, so definitely I've tried to emulate him in some ways", he added.

In the year people will be celebrating the centenary of Roald Dahl's birth, the Little Britain star said his main gratification was encouraging a new generation to enjoy reading:

"I don't think you ever forget the book that got you into reading, so that for me is a real thrill - encouraging kids to read".

Watch David Walliams read an excerpt from the book, below: