SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Worcestershire have had fun dressing up as their favourite book characters as part of World Book Day.

Children from Norton Juxta Kempsey First School dressed up as Wally the colourful character from the books Where's Wally?

Sarah Marshall, the school's English subject leader, said: "Children celebrated books that had made them laugh, cry and be curious, took part in Wally activities and created their own story books.

"Staff were keen not to miss out on the fun and joined in by dressing up as Wally too.

"A great time was had by all."

Prep children and teachers from St Mary's Worcester also dressed up as their favourite book characters and enjoyed reading, writing, storytelling, role playing and sharing their favourite stories.

Writing stories, illustrating them and even binding them into their own books was enjoyed by pupils from one school.

Pupils from The Downs Malvern listened to stories before choosing their favourite one to re-write and illustrate.

They were helped by two English teachers from Malvern College, which is associated with the school, as well as an author of children's stories and poetry Lynne Hallett and Sophie Holroyd, who is skilled in the process of book binding.

Pupils from Broadwas CE Primary School dressed up as their favourite characters and enjoyed a book-themed day at school, including a parade and book quiz.

The students also collected £60 for Book Aid International, a charity which works in partnership with libraries in Africa, providing books and other resources to allow reading and learning to flourish.

Also celebrating the day was housebuilder Taylor Wimpey which donated £200 worth of books to children at Wychbold First and Nursery School.

Rachel Hughes, head of Wychbold First and Nursery School, said: “We encourage our pupils to read as often as they can, either in class or at home with their families.

"This generous donation from Taylor Wimpey means we can add to the choice of books on offer in our school library, which is fantastic news for our eager young readers.”

At Bredon Hill Middle School, pupils and teachers dressed up as book characters ranging from Billionaire Boy to the Worst Witch.

Pupils participated in a quiz about their teachers' favourite childhood books and a bookmark competition was run by librarians.

The 17th annual World Book Day took place on Thursday, March 6 to celebrate authors, illustrators and books, and to get more children reading.