CHILDREN across the Advertiser patch celebrated the world of fiction by dressing up as characters from their favourite books.

For international World Book Day last Thursday, children headed to school dressed in bright and vibrant costumes, with characters including Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and Thomas the Tank Engine.

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, World Book Day aims to bring together children of all ages to explore the pleasures of reading.

Pupils at Portway Infant School dressed up for the occasion as characters such as The Gruffalo, The Cat in the Hat and Where’s Wally.

At The Clere students took part in Readathon Sponsored Read, with every child in every class reading for the first 10 minutes of each lesson throughout the day.

The money raised from this event helps the charity Readathon to regularly give brand new books and storyteller visits to children’s hospitals.

Jenifer Klepfer, learning resource centre manager at The Clere School, said: “It is so great to have this opportunity for the whole school to celebrate reading together and to help other children through the Readathon charity.”

As part of the celebrations students are given book vouchers.