PUPILS dressed up as their favourite characters from the world of fiction to celebrate an international day.

Youngsters from schools across the borough donned creative costumes last Thursday to mark the annual World Book Day, which celebrates authors, illustrators, books and reading.

Designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration, it is marked in more than 100 countries all over the world.

Children from Hook Infant School marked the day by dressing up as their favourite book character, including Willy Wonka, Where’s Wally, Goldilocks, The Tiger that Came to Tea and The BFG.

Teachers also joined in the fun by dressing up as dalmatians from the Disney film 101 Dalmatians, kept under control by a Cruella De Vil.

At The Clere School, in Burghclere, pupils also dressed up as their best loved book characters, and presented their favourite books to their tutor groups.

The elected winner from each group will be given the chance to make a video trailer for their book, and the winner will be crowned The Clere School’s favourite book.

Jenifer Klepfer, school librarian, said: “It is great to see the students’ love of books come to life and for them to have the opportunity to participate in such an international event. It is fun to engage with the greater reading community and wonderful authors as part of the World Book Day Teenfest as well.”

March 3 marked the 19th year of World Book Day and encourages children to explore the pleasures of books and reading.

Schools that registered to participate were sent a pack of book tokens and resources full of ideas and activities to get involved with the event.

See this week's Gazette, on sale now, for more pictures from World Book Day.