SCHOOLCHILDREN across the region dressed as their favourite book characters to celebrate World Book Day.

Children at St Bede's Primary School, in Popley Way, Basingstoke, enjoyed a day of bookworming by going to school in the style of fictional heroes, including Harry Potter, various princesses, Robin Hood and even Aslan the lion from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Assistant headteacher Rachel Dance, who spent the day dressed as Sophie from The BFG by Roald Dahl, said: "Coming to school dressed as a book character really gave pupils a focus. It was a very creative day.

"We had the junior classes reading books to the infant classes, and the children designed posters and book covers. Everyone really enjoyed it."

At Cliddesden Primary School, besides dressing up, pupils took their favourite books to school to share with their classmates.

They also made masks and heard about the books their teachers enjoyed.

Year 5 and 6 teacher Keith Graham, who spent the day dressed as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, said: "We mark World Book Day every year, but have a big event like this every other year.

"We hope the day inspires pupils to read, as they see how much fun it can be.

"Reading is so important. It really helps pupils to develop language skills and their ability to create their own stories."

Children at Park View Infant School, in Pinkerton Road, South Ham, dressed up as their fictional favourites to celebrate books and as a way of saying goodbye to Kim Howard, an administrative officer at the school, who asked for a dressing-up day to mark her last day.

After working at the school for almost eight years, Ms Howard, who disguised herself as Beatrix Potter character Mrs Tiggywinkle, said: "I have really enjoyed it here, and will miss both the staff and children."